President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia drummed support for a two-state solution to the ongoing Isreal-Palestine conflict.
Tinubu also called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, warning that the conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, “inflicting immeasurable suffering.”
The Nigerian leader, who spoke while addressing the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit at the Joint Arab-Islam Summit, expressed deep concern on the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The one-day summit was a follow-up to the Riyadh summit last year, and was attended by Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga quoted Tinubu as reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Nigerian leader was further quoted to have affirmed the country’s support for a two-state solution, where both Israeli and Palestinians can co-exist in security and dignity.
”The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives.
”As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict.
”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 was quoted to have said.
The Nigerian President was also reported to have on parties in the Middle East conflict to respect the principles of proportionality and the basic rights of civilians, consistent with global legal and diplomatic frameworks.
”In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self-defence. But self defence must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks.
”An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.
”It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition.
”Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7 in 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context.
”This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay,” he was further quoted to have said.
Tinubu reportedly quoted to have commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit, describing it as a vital opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts and work toward a sustainable peace.
He assured that Nigeria, given its own experiences would continue to support international efforts that advance 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.
According to President Tinubu the path to reconciliation may be fraught with challenges, but it is through honest conversation that nations can foster understanding.
”The international community has the opportunity to bring to bear new thinking on this most relentless challenge.
”It is our duty to engage in this dialogue with sincerity and resolve, recognising the complexities that each side faces.”
President Tinubu reportedly called for the establishment of a secretariat to implement the resolutions at the summit.
He urged the leaders to mandate a select Heads of Government to canvass support globally and oversee the implementation of the summit resolutions, providing regular reports to a joint OIC and Arab League leadership until permanent peace is achieved in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was quoted to have condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, including the targeting of civilians and the continued violation of the Al-Aqsa mosque.
The Crown Prince also condemned Israeli ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from delivering relief aid to Palestinians and the displacement of Lebanese people.
He emphasised the importance of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Saudi Monarch highlighted his country’s role in promoting Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders, mentioning international recognition and the establishment of a Global Coalition with the European Union and Norway.
He urged more states to join the Global Coalition, the statement added.
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