Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Middle East Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit. This summit, which starts on Monday, November 11, 2024, will tackle pressing issues in the Middle East, especially the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Tinubu’s visit is at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following the previous summit held in the same city last year. During his participation, Tinubu will speak on Nigeria’s position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He will also advocate for a renewed commitment to the two-state solution as a foundation for lasting peace in the region. Accompanying the president on this diplomatic mission will be key officials, including Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and National Intelligence Agency Director General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed. Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after the summit concludes.
Tragic 2,360 Children Killed By Israel In Gaza Strip – UNICEF
*Calls Both Parties To Ceasefire, Release Hostages UNICEF has said that a tragic 2,360 children have died in Israel’s counter attacks in the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’ October 7 attacks on southern Israel. The aid group, which spoke of the “relentless attacks” said 5,364 children have been injured. Since the surprise Hamas attacks on October 7, Israel’s army have been bombing targets in the Gaza Strip and preparing a ground offensive in the sealed-off coastal area. “The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of death and injuries of children simply staggering,” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. He said the Gaza Strip is suffering from acute water shortages, with severe consequences for children, who make up about 50 per cent of the population. UNICEF urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire, provide humanitarian access and release all hostages.
Death Toll Of Palestinians In Gaza Rises To Over 1,200
The death toll of Palestinians in Gaza has tragically climbed to over 1,200 as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the region. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, approximately 5,800 people have also sustained injuries. This escalating violence marks the sixth day of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, the ruling militant group in Gaza. In their efforts, Israel has relentlessly targeted the densely populated and economically disadvantaged Palestinian coastal enclave, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Vital supplies, including food, fuel, and medicines, are severely restricted from entering Gaza, leading to grave concerns about the welfare of innocent civilians. Additionally, Israeli officials report that 1,200 Israelis have lost their lives since the onset of Hamas’ violent attacks on communities and an electronic music festival near the Gaza Strip over the weekend. Among the casualties, 189 Israeli soldiers have tragically perished in the ongoing conflict.
Israeli Airstrikes Displace About 264,000 Palestinians In Gaza – UN
Israeli airstrikes against Hamas militants have displaced 264,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the UN’s humanitarian relief agency has said. They are sheltering in school buildings, with relatives or neighbours, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Hamas, the militant group that rules Gaza, launched a large-scale attack against Israel on Saturday, killing at least 1,200 people and kidnapping around 100 others. Israel responded with ongoing airstrikes on the densely packed coastal enclave. At least 900 people have died in Gaza, health officials there say. OCHA reported Israeli airstrikes on several residential buildings in Gaza. OCHA, citing the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza, said more than 1,500 housing units were destroyed or severely damaged. In addition, five facilities that provided water and sanitation for half a million people were damaged. More than two million people live in the Palestinian territory.