From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has disclosed that Iran’s leaders were working to destabilise West Africa, including Nigeria, just as they had done in the Middle East.
He noted that 396 days after the brutal murder of innocent Israeli citizens by Hamas, the terrorist group is still holding 101 innocent children, women and the elderly hostage.
Speaking in Abuja during the screening of the award winning documentary, titled: ‘We will dance again: Surviving October 7’ directed by Yariv Mozer, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the October 7 massacre of Israelis by Hamas, Freeman also said Iran’s proxies, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen were leaving trails of destruction and devastation.
He said: “The tyrants in Tehran are responsible for the destabilisation of countries and the misery of millions. Yet, Iran’s nefarious activities are not limited to the Middle East. Let me be clear, Iran’s leaders are also working to destabilise West Africa, including Nigeria.
“The war in Lebanon will only end with the full implementation of the UN resolution 1701, with Hezbollah unable to rearm, and pushed back beyond the Litani River and the Lebanese army in control of the South of Lebanon.”
Earlier, Freeman said on October 7, everything changed.
The Israeli envoy stated that thousands of Hamas terrorists, burst across the Gaza border and murdered, raped, tortured, and brutalised over 1200 Israelis and citizens of other nations.
“They kidnapped 251 others, stealing them away to the terror dungeons of Gaza, where till today, 396 days later, 101 innocents are being held, including children, women and the elderly.
“In our darkest hour, many countries stood by our side. I want to thank those who have supported us, led by our strongest friend and ally, the United States.
“Over the past year, the support shown by President Biden, as well as by the Republicans and the Democrats alike, has been overwhelming and I am confident that whoever wins the presidential election, will continue that steadfast support. But, it hasn’t just been the US; I want to thank all of those countries that have stood by us, publicly and behind the scenes.
“I also want to thank all of our friends in Nigeria who have stood with us.
“But, not only on a state level, also on a personal level, so many fellow ambassadors and diplomats have been there, a kind word, a supportive WhatsApp or just a hug; it has made a huge difference and is truly appreciated. Thank you,” he also said. The Israeli envoy further restated that on October 7, everything changed. “This is not a war we wanted. This is not a war we started. Hamas and Hezbollah attacked Israel. And today, we face a war on seven fronts, all of it sponsored by Iran.”
While saying that in Gaza, Israel must see the release of all the hostages and a new authority in control of the strip, Freeman added that it has to be one that won’t threaten Israel again.
“On October 7, everything changed. Israel faced one of the darkest and most horrific days in its modern history. Families have been torn apart, and an entire generation of Israelis bears the scars of that day. “But, let us be clear, this was not just an attack on individuals, or only an attack on Israel, but an assault on the very values that all of us here hold dear — freedom, peace, tolerance, and the sanctity of life.
“To those that call for an arms embargo on Israel, what message are you sending? That you are on the side of the murderers and butchers of Hamas, of Hezbollah, the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors? And that Israel, uniquely among the world’s nations should not have the right to self-defence.
“It is a morally defenceless and shameful position to hold.
“On October 7, everything changed. As we remember the victims, we also recognise the resilience of the Israeli people.
“Our history is filled with moments of hardship, but time and time again, we have stood together in the face of adversity. We have mourned, but we have also rebuilt. And we will continue to stand strong with our friends and with our partners, honouring the memory of those we lost by striving for a future, where such horrors are not repeated; for a better future, a future of peace for all the peoples of our region.
“On October 7, everything changed.
“Today, we come together to remember the horrific events of that day, and in particular, the massacre at the Nova Festival.
“The Nova Festival was meant to be a celebration of life, music, and peace; a gathering of young people who came to dance under the open sky. But, that joy was shattered when terrorists unleashed a brutal and unthinkable attack. Hundreds of innocent lives were cut short in an act of barbaric violence.
“The festival, a symbol of harmony, became the site of a horrific massacre.
“Today, we will see just some of the images and hear some of the stories that emerged from that day. Young men and women hunted down in the very place they came to celebrate life.
“Yet, for those who survived that day, the nightmare never ended.
“Shirel Golan survived the Nova Festival, one of almost 200 partygoers saved by Israeli Bedouin policeman, Remo Salman El-Hozayel.
“But for Shirel, that day never really ended, and recently, on her 22nd birthday, she took her own life.
“For Shirel and for all of us, on October 7, everything changed.
“May the memories of those murdered at the Nova Festival, and all the victims of terrorism, be a blessing and a source of strength for us all, and together, we will dance again,” Freeman assured.
