Muslim Awareness International (MAI) has strongly condemned what it described as an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and genocide in Gaza, where thousands face death, hunger, and mass displacement amidst relentless attacks.
At a press conference held in Anthony Village, Lagos, the Director of MAI, Mr. Abdul-Waheed Atoyebi, described the scale of suffering as “a deliberate starvation campaign against the Palestinian people” and called on people of conscience—Muslims, Christians, Africans, and global leaders—to act urgently to halt the crisis.
According to Mr. Atoyebi, since October 2023, over 60,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, with more than 125,000 injured and at least 750,000 displaced.
He highlighted a severe shortage of essential supplies, noting that 90 children were among 159 people who died of starvation as of August 1, 2025.
“Hospitals have collapsed, doctors are overwhelmed, and humanitarian workers are being targeted,” Atoyebi stated, recounting the tragic story of 27-year-old Adel Madi, who reportedly died after his body weight dropped from 50kg to 15kg due to starvation.
He added that more than 217 journalists and 224 aid workers have died—many while delivering life-saving assistance.
Also speaking, the Director of Quds Foundation, Mallam Qasim Akinloye, sharply criticized the United States’ involvement in the conflict.
He accused both the Biden and Trump administrations of enabling Israeli military actions through arms supplies, repeated vetoes at the United Nations, and diplomatic protection.
“Over a thousand Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food. Diseases are spreading rapidly due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water,” Akinloye said.
The Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat in Lagos, Hajia Balqees Abdullah, called for global interfaith solidarity, urging religious leaders and citizens to intensify advocacy, humanitarian relief, and political pressure.
“This is not just a political issue. It is a moral crisis. Religious leaders and faithful must raise their voices. Interfaith cooperation can amplify the call for justice,” she said.
She also urged African governments, particularly Nigeria, to go beyond issuing statements and use their influence in international institutions to demand an end to the blockade and the opening of humanitarian corridors.
“Our governments must act. They must use diplomatic channels and ensure life-saving aid reaches Gaza,” she stressed.
Responding to recent appeals from Arab leaders for Hamas to disarm, Mr. Rasheed Atta, Director of the International Islamic Humanitarian Help (IIHH), warned that such demands shift blame to the oppressed while ignoring the root causes of the conflict.
“True solidarity means standing with the oppressed—not appeasing the oppressor,” he said.
Atta welcomed announcements by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada to recognize the State of Palestine but cautioned against tying recognition to political conditions or ceasefire agreements.
“Recognition must be based on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, not on Israeli consent,” he asserted.
The conference concluded with an emotional appeal, resonating with human rights advocates globally: “Palestinians are human beings too. The humiliation of humanity in Gaza is unacceptable. We say: Long Live Gaza, Long Live Palestine. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi