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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.”
The suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with the National Park Service, has arrested three persons over alleged illegal trade in endangered wildlife species in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
The suspects, identified as Musa Usman, Samila Abdullahi, and Saidu Jagaban, were arrested in different parts of the country’s capital.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended for selling prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
She stated that Usman and Abdullahi were found with 15 Senegalese parrots and one African grey parrot, while Jagaban was arrested for hawking three dead antelopes.
“The suspects were arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals, contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act,” the statement read in part.
“The trio is to remain in custody while investigation continues.”
NESREA Director-General, Innocent Barikor, reiterated that trafficking in endangered species remained a crime under Nigerian laws, and anyone caught culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
Barikor emphasised on the need to protect endangered species, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He added that all living things play different roles in ensuring biodiversity sustainability.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday warned against the creation of a one-party state, saying any nation that must practice it must do so carefully and with a well-planned process and projected outcome.
He stated this in Abuja while paying tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute.
Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations will be detrimental to the country.
The former president also called on the family of the late former federal commissioner to, among other things, set up a yearly memorial lecture in his honour to continue to push his ideas and what he stood for, which is a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, lamented that the labour of our heroes past was already in vain.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted the endemic poverty in rural areas, the state of insecurity, and the rising cost of living.
He maintained that the labour of people like Pa Edwin Clark had not paid off, as the sacrifices people like Pa Clark made were in vain today.
The chairman on the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, said that the task of ensuring that Nigeria remains united and indivisible must be ensured by all, as the nation could only make progress if national interest was put before any personal interest.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices
The minister noted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, adding that terrorists and criminal groups often use these avenues to spread fear, propagate disinformation, and recruit followers.
He urged journalists and editors to adopt a responsible and patriotic approach to reporting these issues, by avoiding sensational headlines and refusing to serve as amplifiers of terror propaganda.
Idris stated this on Wednesday at the ministerial press briefing held at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices,” Idris said.
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives.
“These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.”
The minister also noted that federal government is “actively” investing in military capacity through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced intelligence, and strategic partnerships.
Idris said the press briefing series is a forum that allows ministers to update Nigerians on the key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and policy directions of their various ministries.
He commended the media for their continued support and their broader role in promoting public awareness of government initiatives.
“Through this interactive platform, which is being broadcast live on national television stations and streamed across social media platforms, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement,” he added.