Experts in religion, history, and politics have warned Nigerians against introducing religion to the conflict between Israel and Palestine to avoid causing division.
The experts who gathered at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun state, Wednesday, to discuss “Emerging trends in the Arab-Israeli conflict and its implications for global peace,” asserted that the conflict is not religious as insinuated by some people in the country.
They warned that the actions of some religious organizations that have taken sides in the conflict may cause division and affect the relationships that people have enjoyed in the country.
The chairman of the UN Committee on Disarmament & International Peace and Security, Amb. Olufemi Obisakin blamed the hypocrisy of diplomacy for the causes of the conflict, saying “It is not about religion.”
Another discussant, Dr Samuel Okanlawon of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, condemned sentiment already introduced to the conflict by some religious bodies in Nigeria.
He said, “It is unfortunate that some Nigerian Christians did not know that Israel is not a Christian state and they are praying in support of Israel. The same way some Muslim groups are carrying placards during their rally.”
Okanlawon submitted that there would be a semblance of peace if the United States and those who are taking sides steered clear to enable compromise dialogue.
In his contribution, Prof Olutayo Adesina of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, who described Israel and Palestine as cousins, posited that it is not yet an Arab-Israel conflict.
He said, “As of today, Gaza is a burial ground of women and children. Israel is opening a gate of hell for centuries to come.
Obisakin posited that Hamas breached international law by invading Israel in the first place, but Israel has also committed the same offense.
He submitted that a mediator must be impartial if there will be a solution to a conflict, maintaining that open support of the US to Israel is a bad omen to the conflict.
A Counselor, Political, Culture, and Information, Nigerian High Commission to Israel, Amb Ayo Olukanmi, and Prof David Aworawo of the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, said the two states must tolerate each other and live in peace.
