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ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister, ex-Defense Minister over war crimes in Gaza
In a landmark decision, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The ICC said that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant committed war crimes, and added that Israel’s acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction is not required.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh said the move marks a significant step towards accountability for the actions taken by Israeli officials in Gaza.
He said the ICC’s decision comes as the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the war on Gaza for the fourth time in a row.
According to him, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in a staggering death toll of 43,972, with 104,008 injuries, mostly women and children. Additionally, over 10,000 people are still missing, and 12,000 wounded individuals are in dire need of medical treatment.
“USA, for the fourth time in a row, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution yesterday calling for an end to the war on Gaza. This is further proof that their hands are fully stained with the blood of Palestinians who have been killed over the past 412 days.
“In Gaza alone, as of November 19, the death toll was 43,972 with 104,008 injuries, the majority of whom are children and women. More than 10,000 people are still missing under the rubble and streets of Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed.
“About 12,000 wounded people are in dire need of evacuation from Gaza for urgent, life-saving medical treatment, but Israeli measures are preventing this.
“As of November 16, 11,700 Palestinians are detained in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with more than 10,000 administrative detainees, 135 journalists, 58 of them are still in the prison, 765 children, and 435 women.
“Before October 7, the total number of detainees held in Israeli prisons was (5,250), including (40) women, (170) children and (1,320) administrative detainees.
“As of November 15, another two Palestinian prisoners have joined the long list of 280 who have died in Israeli prisons and detention camps since 1967, bringing the total to 43 during the last 13 months due to torture, brutal beatings, ill-treatment, and medical negligence.
Citing the UNICEF, the Palestinian ambassador said:“At least 14,000 children have reportedly been killed…… thousands more have been injured. There are no safe spaces. All of Gaza’s children have been exposed to the traumatic experiences of war, the consequences of which will last a lifetime.”
Lacopo Foti, the ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, says his country is ready to collaborate with Kaduna manufacturing and technology, pledging to support investments from Italian companies in the state.
Foti spoke during a courtesy visit to Hadiza Balarabe, Kaduna’s deputy governor, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday.
The envoy also highlighted Italy’s willingness to collaborate with the state government.
“We have come to introduce ourselves, learn about the government’s plans, and see if there are investments which you want the Italian Embassy to facilitate,” Foti was quoted as saying in a statement.
“If there are private investments you desire in Kaduna, especially in machinery or manufacturing, or if you have plans for the next few years, let us know. If you’re interested in agricultural machinery companies like tractor plants, we can make contact with them.”
The ambassador also encouraged the state government to approach the Italian embassy for partnerships.
“We are ready to collaborate in manufacturing, technology and other areas,” he added.
Foti expressed optimism that in the coming months, Italy and Kaduna would collaborate on agriculture, education, and training — pending proposals from the state regarding their interests to present to the Italian government.
He said Italian investors would find Kaduna’s climate more favourable than Abuja’s, noting that the state is also people-friendly.
“We have Italians living here; this visit is an opportunity to meet them and see how we can help them and the State Government,” the envoy noted.
In response, Balarabe acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Italy and Nigeria, expressing interest in strengthening economic ties.
She highlighted Kaduna’s advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, energy, technology, and human capital development, noting that the state is the largest producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger in Nigeria.
“Italy excels in manufacturing, technology, education, and renewable energy. I hope we can establish collaboration in these areas,” the deputy governor said.
Balarabe, who directed the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to prepare a proposal for the Italian embassy, also expressed hope that the ambassador’s visit would initiate substantial discussions between the state and Italy.
She said Kaduna looks forward to further engagement with the ambassador, expressing hope that it would not be his last visit to the state.
The Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, declaring that there would not be vacancy in the Aso Rock Villa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna during the next election.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Joseph Bege.
The communique stated that the decision was taken based on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.
According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.
“Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.
“This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.
“We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” They said.
The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.
“In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.
“We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.
They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi-billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.
The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.
Nigeria’s public debt rose by 48.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to N144.67 trillion ($94.23 billion) in 2024 from N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in 2023.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) disclosed this in its latest public debt profile report.
The debt stock consists of external debt of N70.29 trillion ($45.78 billion) serviced with $4.66 million and domestic debt of N74.38 trillion ($48.44 billion).
The report showed that the country’s external debt increased by 83.89 per cent YoY from N38.22 trillion ($42.5 billion) in 2023.
Domestic debt also grew by 25.7 per cent YoY from N59.12 trillion ($65.73 billion) in 2023.
The report further indicated that the Federal Government’s domestic debt component rose by 32 per cent YoY to N70.41 trillion from N53.26 trillion in 2023.
But the domestic debt of states and the Federal Capital Territory declined YoY by 32 per cent to N3.97 trillion in 2024 from N5.86 trillion in 2023.
The rise in public debt can be attributed to fluctuating trends in exchange rates amidst changes in global economic conditions.
The sharp increase, particularly in external debt, highlights the nation’s vulnerability to exchange rate volatility and changes in global economic conditions.
With the continued depreciation of the naira, the cost of servicing foreign debt could escalate, adding pressure on the country’s financial resources.