The Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, Muhannad Hammouri, has accused the international community of failing to adequately address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in Abuja on Monday, Hammouri painted a grim picture of widespread destruction, severe shortages of essential supplies, and a collapsing healthcare system that has left millions in desperate need.
Hammouri described Gaza as facing an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, hospitals struggling with chronic power outages, and disease outbreaks spreading due to a failed sanitation system.
“The international community has failed to act decisively to address ongoing challenges, enforce existing UN resolutions, and ensure accountability,” he stated.
The ambassador highlighted the growing gap between diplomatic rhetoric and concrete action as particularly troubling. “There has been a lack of effective measures to guarantee that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without obstruction, and delays in action have allowed the humanitarian crisis to worsen,” Hammouri said.
He revealed that approximately 1.7 million people – nearly 80% of Gaza’s population – have been displaced since the conflict escalated, with many forced to live in overcrowded shelters or open areas without basic necessities.
Hammouri outlined the Palestinian leadership’s urgent demands: “From the first day of the escalation in Gaza, the Palestinian leadership has been urgently calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and international protection for civilians.”
He emphasized that lasting peace requires addressing root causes, including “the long-standing denial of Palestinian self-determination and the ongoing challenges faced by our people.”
The envoy expressed particular concern about Israel’s recent approval of new settlement projects in the West Bank, warning they threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state. “These actions are inconsistent with international law,” Hammouri said. “If these projects proceed, they would physically separate parts of the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of Palestinian territory. This would make a contiguous Palestinian state increasingly difficult to achieve.”
While welcoming growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, Hammouri stressed that symbolic gestures must translate into tangible progress. “We welcome the growing international recognition of the State of Palestine as an affirmation of our people’s right to self-determination and independence. However, recognition must be matched with practical measures to address violations, protect our people, and ensure that statehood becomes a reality on the ground, not just on paper,” he emphasized.
Hammouri acknowledged mediation efforts by regional powers, noting: “Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have each played valuable roles in past efforts, and they remain essential channels for communication.” He reiterated Palestine’s conditions for ceasefire negotiations, including withdrawal of forces from Gaza and guaranteed humanitarian access.
The ambassador also detailed Palestine’s pursuit of justice through international legal mechanisms. “We have formally referred numerous cases to international bodies, including the ICC, documenting attacks on civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and other serious concerns,” Hammouri revealed. “Accountability must be universal—no state or actor should be above the law.”
Calling for stronger global response, Hammouri urged the Arab world, European Union, and African Union to take more decisive action. “The scale of the crisis demands stronger, unified, and sustained action,” he said, appealing for coordinated diplomatic pressure and concrete measures to address the humanitarian catastrophe.
Hammouri concluded by stressing the importance of Palestinian unity, stating: “The Palestinian leadership is committed to overcoming internal differences in the interest of national unity and the pursuit of our legitimate rights.”