Muslim Groups decry humanitarian crisis in Gaza
A coalition of groups led by Muslim Awareness International (MAI) has decried the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands face hunger, displacement, and death. Addressing a press conference in Lagos, they described the situation in Gaza as genocide and deliberate starvation. The briefing was also attended by the representatives of various Muslim groups and […]
A coalition of groups led by Muslim Awareness International (MAI) has decried the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands face hunger, displacement, and death.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, they described the situation in Gaza as genocide and deliberate starvation.
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).
At the briefing venue, members of the Islamic organisations carried placards, expressing their angst over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip and the perceived inaction and nonchalant disposition of the West.
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The Director of MAI, Abdul Waheed Atoyebi, described the situation in Gaza as “a genocide and deliberate starvation” of Palestinian people.
“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.
On his part, the Director of Quds Foundation, Mal. Qasim Akinloye condemned the role of the United States in the crisis.
Akinloye said both the Biden and Trump administrations have been supporting 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.
The Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat in Lagos, Hajia Balqees Abdullah, urged Muslims and Christians worldwide to support the advocacy efforts, mobilize humanitarian aid, and pressure their governments to act.
“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,” she said.
The groups said, “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.”