AGS NEWS – The Palestinian ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh, has issued a plea for urgent global assistance to prevent an imminent famine in Gaza.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Shawesh highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, attributing it to ongoing attacks by Israeli forces and disruptions in humanitarian aid delivery.

He warned that without immediate intervention, the besieged city could face famine and epidemic.

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Shawesh emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that 132 days into the conflict, thousands have perished due to inadequate medical care.

He underscored the plight of Gaza’s residents, many of whom are refugees forced to confront the grim choice of staying and risking injury or fleeing their homes.

Quoting Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Shawesh reiterated the perilous conditions in Gaza, where ongoing military operations threaten to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

The ambassador highlighted the risk of infectious disease outbreaks due to unsanitary living conditions and overwhelmed healthcare systems.

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He cited alarming statistics, including a sharp rise in cases of respiratory infections, diarrhoea, scabies, and other illnesses.

Shawesh urged the international community to heed warnings against a ground invasion in Rafah, stressing that Israel must not ignore these calls.