In a powerful speech at the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima made a heartfelt appeal for the independence of the Palestinian people. His remarks come amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel. This provoked a strong military response from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), leading to widespread devastation in the Gaza Strip.
As of September 2024, the toll of this conflict has been staggering, with reports indicating over 41,000 Palestinians and nearly 1,700 Israelis have lost their lives. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire, with countless civilians suffering from the effects of war, displacement, and lack of essential resources. Shettima emphasized that these human tragedies should not be ignored in discussions of global peace and security.
In his address, Shettima highlighted the importance of recognizing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a core issue in discussions about war, peace, and reconciliation. He stated, “We can’t discuss war and peace, conflicts and reconciliation, or humanitarian imperatives without reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” His remarks underscored the need for the international community to take responsibility for addressing the ongoing injustices faced by the Palestinian people.
The Vice President argued that the current global order has failed to meet the aspirations of the United Nations to eradicate inequality and violence. He pointed out that the principles of justice cannot coexist with revenge, emphasizing the need for a fair and just resolution to the conflict.
“Freedom is a natural entitlement that can’t be denied to any people,” Shettima asserted, making it clear that Palestinians have the right to self-determination. He called on world leaders to acknowledge that Palestinians deserve their own territories, a right already recognized by international law and the United Nations. His plea was not just for recognition but for concrete action towards achieving Palestinian independence.
Shettima’s speech at the UNGA is a reminder that the plight of the Palestinian people remains a pressing issue on the global stage. As the world grapples with various crises, the need for unity and collective action to support the rights and freedoms of all people, including the Palestinians, is more crucial than ever. His call for independence serves as a clarion call for global leaders to prioritize human rights and justice in their foreign policies.
