The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine, Muhannad Alhammouri, has hosted over 100 Nigerian children to a free medical check-up that culminated in a sumptuous lunch at the embassy in Abuja.

The children, who were drawn from both Christian and Muslim orphanages in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had a great time together with their counterparts from Palestinian parents in Nigeria.

The medical examination conducted by a team from Habib Medical Clinic revealed that eight of the pupils have health concerns, which the Ambassador pledged to follow up with required treatment.

At the end of the party that lasted over two hours, some children took turns to appreciate the Ambassador, noting that his unwavering commitment and passion to the children of both countries and the world, exhibited the highest ideals of diplomacy and leadership.

In his remark, the Ambassador welcomed the children warmly, describing them as amazing, strong, smart, creative, and full of courage. According to him, the move was in solidarity with the people of Nigeria and Palestine.

Alhammouri, while addressing the children, said: “Even when life feels hard, you have the power inside to keep you going and make your dreams come true.”

You deserve love, safety, happiness, and good education.
“The world needs your ideas, kindness and your light. Never forget the fact that you are loved, you are important and you are in our hearts.
“So, keep learning, keep dreaming and keep shining brightly because the future belongs to you. We believe in you today and always.”

The Ambassador said the outing was the embassy’s little way of appreciating Nigeria and its government for their support to the people of Palestine since the beginning of the war with Israel.

He said: “Today is a very special day for us in Palestine to show solidarity and to thank Nigeria for everything it gave us and will give us and has always given us. This is just a small gift from our Palestinian orphans and children to our sons and daughters here in Nigeria.”

The Envoy, however, decried the situation in Gaza, noting that not much has changed since the peace initiative proposed by American President, Donald Trump, months back.

While the initiative was expected to end the war, he feared that killings have continued. “Daily, we hear of some Palestinians being killed. Even today, this morning, I woke up to the news that there were some Palestinian casualtiesand they were killed by Israelis.

“The medical situation in Palestine is still critical, and the borders between Palestine and Gaza especially are still blocked by the Israelis,”he said.