The Israeli government’s repeated attacks on Muslim worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan have been condemned by the Muslim Awareness International (MAI). MAI has called on the United Nations (UN) to put an end to the ongoing persecution and injustice against Palestinians. Alhaji Abdul Waheed Atoyebi, the Director of MAI, stated that the persecution of Palestinians by Israelis is a gross injustice.
As a leading Nigerian human rights organization, MAI participated in the International Quds Day during Ramadan’s last Friday, condemning the atrocities committed by the Israeli government in Palestine and Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest mosque in Islam, along with the rest of the world. Atoyebi stated that Quds Day signifies the world’s concern for the suffering and humiliation of Palestine. Nigeria supports this cause, and Muslims worldwide are encouraged to join the advocacy to support peace and stability in the region and to condemn the Israeli government’s atrocities. Atoyebi expressed his dismay that Arab leaders pay lip service to the Palestinian cause, and some world powers support Israel’s criminal occupation of Palestine. He also criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Muslim bodies for not making any practical effort to curb Israel’s excesses.
MAI also expressed their discontent over UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to visit Israel to commemorate the country’s 75th anniversary, describing it as an “illegal celebration” reminding the world of An-Nakba, or “catastrophe.” Atoyebi stated that celebrating Israel’s anniversary is unjust, as the International Court has declared their occupation illegal. Instead, Palestinians’ tragedy, such as An-Nakba, and the lives of Muslims who were driven out of their homes for Israel to exist, should be remembered. MAI appreciated the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People’s (CEIRPP) gesture to commemorate Nakba for the first time this year.
