PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, stating that “the conflict in Palestine has lasted far too long, causing immeasurable suffering.”
During his address at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, which aimed to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This information was shared today in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
He noted that this one-day summit followed the Riyadh summit from the previous year and was attended by Heads of State and Government from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Tinubu expressed the country’s support for a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist with security and dignity, emphasizing that this solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” he stated.
“As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to work collectively toward an immediate end to this conflict.”
He added, “Merely issuing condemnations is insufficient. The world must take action to put an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has continued for far too long. No political goal, military strategy, or security concern should come at the expense of innocent lives.”
The Nigerian leader urged all parties involved in the Middle Eastern conflict to observe principles of proportionality and uphold the basic rights of civilians, in accordance with global legal and diplomatic standards.
“In a rules-based international order, states have the right to self-defense. However, self-defense must consider proportionality, aligning with global legal, diplomatic, and moral frameworks. An entire civilian population, along with their dreams and futures, cannot simply be regarded as collateral damage,” he asserted.
Stressing Nigeria’s consistent and principled position on the two-state solution, President Tinubu remarked that it symbolizes hope and recognizes the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace.
“It is not merely a diplomatic ideal; it is a vision rooted in the principles of equality and mutual recognition,” he explained. “Realizing this vision demands a commitment to dialogue and respect for historical contexts. We must remember this conflict did not begin on October 7, 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise that appreciates the broader historical context.”
He continued, “This conflict, situated in the cradle of history, elicits strong emotions, and the repercussions of division spread rapidly. The damaging effects of images portraying endless violence, broadcasted across billions of smartphones worldwide, are profound. We must seek new pathways to peace without delay.”
President Tinubu commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for organizing the summit, calling it a crucial opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts and pursue sustainable peace.
He assured that Nigeria, drawing from its own experiences, would continue to support international initiatives that promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
