The Israeli/Hamas War is not a religious war – Prof BolaNigeria’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bola, has reiterated that the ongoing war is not a religious war but rather a fight for land. He also stated that there are more Christians in Palestine than in Israel and that both Palestine and Israel hate and discriminate against blacks. ‘The war is about land, not religion,’ he said. He also called for peace, stating that it is the only right thing to do.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while significantly centered around land disputes, also intertwines deeply with religious and ethnic identities. The use of religious phrases like ‘Allahu Akbar’ by Hamas during attacks underscores this complex interplay. This phrase, which translates to ‘God is great,’ is deeply embedded in Islamic culture and is used in various contexts, both peaceful and, as in this case, in conflict scenarios.
Denying the religious and ethnic dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict oversimplifies the situation. Acknowledging these aspects doesn’t imply that the conflict is entirely religious in nature, but rather that these elements are integral threads in the larger tapestry of the dispute. Recognizing the multifaceted drivers of this conflict, including national identity, historical grievances, and territorial disputes, alongside religious convictions, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and, ultimately, for identifying pathways toward potential resolution.”