Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Nigerian government to end the persecution and attacks against Christians, stating that such violence must not be tolerated anywhere in the world.
In a Christmas message released on Wednesday, 25th December, Netanyahu condemned the displacement and assaults targeting Christians in Nigeria, urging that these attacks must end immediately.
Netanyahu highlighted Israel as a safe haven for Christians, noting that it is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practice their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear of persecution.
“From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From here, the Holy Land, Israel, the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving,” Netanyahu said through an X post.
“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom.
“Where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated. Where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly do so without any fear.”
He contrasted this with the declining Christian populations in neighboring countries, attributing the decline to systematic discrimination and oppression.
The Israeli leader also sent warm Christmas greetings to Christians worldwide and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to standing with persecuted communities.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns about religious violence in Nigeria and have drawn international attention to the issue.
What Happens to Christians in Palestine?
Meanwhile, until yesterday, Palestine Christians couldn’t gather at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to celebrate the festive season since three years ago when Natayanhu–Israeli led genocidal war broke out in Gaza in 2023.
The story in Palestine is still unfolding, as nothing less than 50,000 Christians are now subjected to threat, illegal occupation, and direct attacks from Natayanhu and the Israeli fighters.
Being one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, Palestinian Christians normally observe a significant but lost ritual in commemoration of Jesus’ birth.
According to the scripture, Joseph, together with Mary (the Jesus’ mother) travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, as Jesus was born in the later city and placed on manager.
The Church of the Nativity later built in that location, holding great religious significance, while attracting of Christians worldwide every Christmas.
However, such trips and gatherings become impossible again because of too many illegal checkpoints, illegal settlements, and the separation of the wall orchestrated by Israel under the watch of Netanyahu.
Speaking to Aljazeerah at a Christmas market, Safaa Thalgieh said: “Our joy doesn’t mean people are not suffering, have lost their loved ones, or are desperate, but we can only pray that things get better.”
Recall that Netanyahu was found guilty in the United Nations Commission for leading mass atrocities in Palestine, earning title as a genocide criminal.