President Bola Tinubu has called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict in Palestine has caused immeasurable suffering and persisted for far too long.
Speaking at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, Tinubu warned that “empty condemnations” are insufficient to resolve the crisis and urged global efforts toward a genuine cessation of hostilities.
The summit, which was a follow-up to last year’s Riyadh summit, gathered heads of state and government from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States to address the worsening situation in the Middle East.
Tinubu’s comments were conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where violence has escalated following an October 2023 attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of more than 43,000 Palestinians, a majority of whom are women and children.
Tinubu called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, one that ensures both Israelis and Palestinians can live in security and dignity.
“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” Tinubu said.
“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.”
He stressed that “no political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives,” urging all parties involved to adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect for civilian rights in accordance with global legal standards.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Receives UK Foreign Secretary, Welcomes Strategic Partnership
“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 emphasized that “an entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral,” reiterating Nigeria’s principled stance on protecting civilian lives during conflict.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s position on the two-state solution, describing it as a beacon of hope for achieving lasting peace in the region. He stressed that this vision, grounded in equality and mutual recognition, requires dialogue and compromise.
“It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition,” he said.
“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.”
Referring to the profound global impact of the ongoing violence, particularly through the widespread circulation of graphic images, Tinubu stated, “The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smartphones around the world, is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay.”
The Nigerian leader also commended King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia for convening the summit, highlighting its importance in renewing diplomatic efforts for sustainable peace in the Middle East.
He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting international initiatives that foster stability in the region, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
Drawing from Nigeria’s own experiences with conflict resolution, President Tinubu noted, “Our own experiences, domestically and regionally, have taught us that identity politics are no substitute for respecting the nuances of diversity.”
He called for continued dialogue and a sincere approach to resolving the longstanding issues, adding that “the path to reconciliation may be fraught with challenges, but it is through honest conversation that we can foster understanding.”
In conclusion, President Tinubu proposed the establishment of a secretariat to ensure the implementation of the summit’s resolutions and urged all parties to work together toward a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
