The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Nigeria was observing the conflict between Israeli and Palestine forces with “great concern.”

Since Monday, Israel and Palestine forces have clashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 65 Palestinians, including 16 children, and seven in Israel.

The violence was triggered by weekend unrest at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

The disturbances, in which riot police had repeatedly clashed with Palestinians, has been driven by anger over the looming evictions of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that the Federal Government of Nigeria is watching with great concern, the unfolding developments in Israel and the State of Palestine and urges both parties to see reason and de-escalate the hostilties,” a statement signed by Ministry spokesman, Ferdinand Nwonye said.

“The Nigerian Government further urges the two parties to remain committed to the two-state solution and, in the meantime, guarantee the rights of all citizens to live in peace and dignity.”

On Thursday, Israel deployed additional troops to Gaza’s border as the military conflict with Palestinian Islamists raged on, while inside Israel security forces scrambled to contain deadly riots between Jews and Arabs. (Channels TV)

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