* This isn’t war; it’s genocide, deliberate starvation: Atoyebi
* US unjust, complicit in the killings: Quds Foundation Director
* Our leaders must pressure Israel to stop the genocide: Al-Mu’minaat
Muslim Awareness International (MAI) has decried the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, where thousands face hunger, displacement, and death amid continued military assaults.
Addressing a world press conference held on Saturday in Anthony Village, Lagos, the Director of MAI, Abdul Waheed Atoyebi, described the situation in Gaza as “a genocide and deliberate starvation” of the Palestinian people.
The briefing was also attended by the representatives of various Muslim groups and human rights organisations in Nigeria, including Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, International Institute of Human Heritage (IIHH), Quds Foundation, Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
“This is never a war or a conflict. It’s genocide and deliberate starvation!” he said, calling on all people of conscience, Muslims, Christians, Africans, and world leaders, to act urgently to end the suffering.
According to figures cited during the briefing, over 60,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023, with more than 125,000 injured, and 750,000 displaced. Fuel, food, and medicine remain critically scarce, with 90 children among 159 people confirmed dead from starvation as of August 1, 2025.
Atoyebi painted a grim picture of daily life in Gaza, citing examples like Adel Madi, a 27-year-old man whose weight dropped drastically from 50kg to just 15kg before dying of starvation.
“Lying on his deathbed with sunken stomach, protruding bones, and a pale face, Adel’s frail frame testified to the hunger war consuming Palestinians in Gaza,” he stated.
He added that hospitals have collapsed, doctors are overwhelmed, and humanitarian workers are being killed. Over 217 journalists and 224 aid workers have reportedly died, many while trying to deliver emergency assistance.
US is acting unjustly and remains complicit in the ongoing killings: Quds Foundation Director
Also speaking, the Director of Quds Foundation, Mallam Qasim Akinloye condemned the role of the United States in the crisis. Mal Akinloye accused both the Biden and Trump administrations of enabling Israel’s military operations through weapons supply, diplomatic vetoes at the UN, and obstruction of ceasefires.
“The U.S.’ role as an unjust ruler is a major obstacle to peace, perpetuating a cycle of violence and deepening the humanitarian crisis,” he charged.
The group also highlighted that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food, and that disease is spreading rapidly due to unsanitary, overcrowded living conditions and lack of clean water.
This is a call to humanity – Al-Mu’minaat
The Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat in Lagos, Hajia Balqees Abdullah, urged Muslims and Christians worldwide to amplify advocacy, mobilize humanitarian aid, and pressure their governments to act. The organization stressed that the situation in Gaza transcends politics and is a moral crisis that threatens the fabric of global humanity.
“Religious leaders and faithful are called upon to raise awareness, mobilize aid, and advocate for peace rooted in justice. Inter-faith cooperation can amplify this moral imperative,” Hajia Abdullah said.
Hajia Abdullah, who represented the National Amirah of the Muslim female organization, called on African nations, especially Nigeria, to leverage their positions in international bodies to demand an end to the siege and ensure humanitarian corridors are opened.
“Our governments must move beyond rhetoric. They must act with urgency to provide aid and apply diplomatic pressure on Israel to end the violence and occupation,” Hajia Abdullah emphasized.
UK, Canada, France right with first steps – Barr. Atta
Responding to recent calls by the world Arab leaders for the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas to disarm, Barr Rasheed Atta, who is the Director of IIHH, said such demands ignore the roots of the conflict and shift blame to the oppressed.
“True solidarity lies in defending the oppressed, not appeasing the oppressor,” he said.
Attah welcomed recent announcements by France, the UK, and Canada to recognize the State of Palestine, but rejected making such recognition conditional on ceasefires or Israeli consent.
“Recognition of Palestinian statehood must be rooted in the undeniable right of its people to self-determination, free from pre-conditions or political bargaining,” Atta asserted.
The Organisations led by MAI concluded the conference with an emotional appeal: “Palestinians are human beings too. The humiliation against humanity in Gaza is unacceptable. We say: Long Live Gaza, Long Live Palestine. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
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