Tinubu Calls for Cessation of Israeli Actions in Gaza During the Saudi Summit
President Bola Tinubu addressed the gathering in Riyadh on Monday, urging for an end to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. He emphasised that “the conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering.”
During the remarkable Arab-Islamic Summit, which was called to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Tinubu voiced significant concern regarding the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
President Tinubu’s Address
A statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed this information.
He stated that the one-day summit served as a continuation of the Riyadh summit from the previous year, with participation from Heads of State and Government representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States.
Nigeria has once again emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, with Tinubu reaffirming the nation’s commitment to a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live together in security and dignity.
Emphasis on Humanitarian Concerns
He emphasised that this solution continued to be an essential component for achieving enduring peace in the region.
”The ongoing situation in Palestine has endured for an extended period, causing profound distress to numerous individuals. ”As delegates of countries that uphold justice, dignity, and the respect for human life, we bear a collective responsibility to swiftly work towards resolving this situation. ”Issuing empty condemnations is insufficient. It is imperative for the global community to strive for a resolution to the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza, which have continued for an extended period.
“No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives,” he said.
The Call for Ceasefire
The Nigerian leader called on parties in the conflict in the Middle East 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,” he said.
Explaining Nigeria’s principled and consistent stance on the two-state solution, President Tinubu noted that it stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace.
”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 said.
The Nigerian leader 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.
