Tinubu Calls for an End to Israel’s Aggression in Gaza at Saudi Summit

At the Saudi Summit, President Tinubu urges an immediate halt to Israel’s actions in Gaza, advocating for peace and diplomacy to address the escalating conflict. 

President Bola Tinubu, during his address in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, urged for an immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities in Gaza, emphasizing that “the conflict in Palestine has endured for an excessive duration, causing profound suffering.”

Speaking at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, which was convened to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Tinubu expressed significant concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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

He noted that the one-day summit served as a continuation of the previous Riyadh summit held last 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 reiterated the nation’s support for a two-state solution, which would allow both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in security and dignity.

He highlighted that this solution remains a crucial pathway to achieving lasting peace in the region.

“The conflict in Palestine has endured for an excessive duration, causing profound suffering to countless individuals.

“As representatives of nations that uphold justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we bear a moral responsibility to collectively bring this conflict to an immediate conclusion.

“It is insufficient to merely issue hollow condemnations. The international community must strive to end Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long.

“No political objective, military strategy, or security concern should come at the cost of innocent lives,” he stated.

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The Nigerian leader urged all parties involved in the Middle Eastern conflict to adhere to the principles of proportionality and to respect the fundamental rights of civilians, in accordance with global legal and diplomatic standards.

In a rules-based international framework, states possess the right to self-defense. However, such self-defense must adhere to the principle of proportionality, aligning with established global legal, diplomatic, and ethical standards.

He emphasized that the entirety of a civilian population, along with their aspirations and futures, cannot be regarded merely as collateral damage.

In discussing Nigeria’s steadfast and principled position on the two-state solution, President Tinubu articulated that it symbolizes hope, advocating for the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace.

He stated that this is not merely a diplomatic tenet; it is a vision rooted in the ideals of equality and mutual recognition.

Realizing this vision necessitates a dedication to dialogue and an acknowledgment of historical context. It is essential to recognize that this conflict did not originate on October 7, 2023. A resolution can only be achieved through principled compromise, informed by a proper understanding of the situation.

This conflict, situated in a historically significant region, is so profound that its divisive effects are felt widely and rapidly. The damaging influence of images depicting relentless violence, circulated on countless smartphones globally, is substantial. Urgent action is required to discover new avenues for peace, he asserted.

The Nigerian leader praised King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for organizing the summit, characterizing it as a crucial opportunity to revitalize diplomatic initiatives and strive for lasting peace.

He affirmed that Nigeria, drawing from its own experiences, will persist in supporting international endeavors aimed at fostering peace and stability in the Middle East.