Nigeria sympathizes with Qatar over Israeli strikes, urges “maximum restraint”
By Adeola Atanda
The Nigerian foreign affairs ministry has issued a statement, deploring Israel’s strike on targets in Qatar on Tuesday.
Isreal defended its action, claiming it targeted members of Hamas leadership but expressed its readiness to engage the Qatari defence handlers in a move to douse tensions generated by the drone strike.
In the statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said that the Federal Government of Nigeria “expresses deep concern” the action.
It further states: “Nigeria underscores the primacy of respecting the sovereignty of all nations and adhering to international law, particularly in matters involving the use of force across borders.
“This development raises serious questions about regional stability and the prospects for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Nigeria acknowledges Qatar’s longstanding role in fostering dialogue and mediation in the region. In this context, Nigeria urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid escalation and recommit to peaceful engagement.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the incident and reiterate our unwavering support for initiatives that promote de-escalation, dialogue, and durable peace.
“The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside members of the international community within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral fora to advance peace, security, and the rule of law in the Middle East and beyond.”
Several countries including Isreal ally, the US, condemned the action. The US noted that Qatar is its key ally, saying the strike was not in US interest.
