Tinubu seeks end to Israel aggression in Gaza at Saudi Summit

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, stating that “the conflict in Palestine has endured for far too long, causing untold suffering.”

Speaking at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, convened to address the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis, Tinubu voiced deep concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

This was shared in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Monday.

He noted that the one-day summit was a follow-up to last year’s Riyadh gathering and was attended by leaders of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Tinubu reiterated the nation’s support for a two-state solution, allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to live in security and dignity.

“The conflict in Palestine has lingered for far too long, imposing immeasurable hardship on countless lives.

“As representatives of nations that hold justice, dignity, and human life sacred, we share a moral responsibility to bring this conflict to an immediate end.

“It is not enough to issue hollow condemnations. The world must act to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long.

“No political aim, military strategy, or security concern should justify the loss of so many innocent lives,” he said.

The Nigerian President urged all parties in the Middle Eastern conflict to honour the principles of proportionality and uphold the basic rights of civilians in line with global legal and diplomatic standards.

“In a rules-based global order, states have the right to self-defence. Yet, such defence must take proportionality into account, consistent with global legal, diplomatic, and moral principles.

“A civilian population, along with their aspirations and futures, cannot simply be dismissed as collateral damage,” he emphasised.

Outlining Nigeria’s consistent support for the two-state solution, Tinubu described it as a beacon of hope, symbolising the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace.

“This is not merely a diplomatic ideal; it is a vision rooted in equality and mutual recognition.

“Achieving this vision requires dedication to dialogue and respect for historical context. We are all aware that this conflict did not begin on 7 October 2023. Resolution lies in a principled compromise grounded in understanding the broader context.

“This conflict, rooted in ancient history, has far-reaching impacts that spread division globally. The constant images of violence, shared on billions of devices worldwide, are deeply damaging. We must pursue new paths to peace, without further delay,” he asserted.

Tinubu praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia for convening the summit, calling it a crucial opportunity to rekindle diplomatic efforts and strive for a lasting peace.

He pledged that Nigeria, drawing on its own experiences, would continue to support international efforts towards peace and stability in the Middle East.