Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu, in Riyadh on Monday, called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, stressing that “empty condemnations” will not resolve the ongoing conflict.
Addressing the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, Tinubu warned that the conflict, which has gone on for too long, has caused significant suffering.
He stated, “The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives. It is not enough to issue empty condemnations.
“The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.”
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering support for a two-state solution, which he described as the only viable pathway to lasting peace, where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in dignity and security.
“It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of proportionality in self-defense, arguing that civilian populations should never be treated as collateral damage.
“In a rules-based international order, states have the right of self-defense. But self-defense must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic, and moral frameworks,” Tinubu stated.
The President urged for continued dialogue and compromise, calling on the international community to foster understanding and engage sincerely to resolve the long-standing conflict.
He also commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit and called for a secretariat to implement the summit’s resolutions.
Tinubu further emphasised that Nigeria, drawing from its own experiences, would continue to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
“Our own experiences, domestically and regionally, have taught us that identity politics are no substitute for respecting the nuances of diversity,” he said.