President Bola Tinubu has called for an end to Israeli actions in Gaza and urged world leaders to embrace a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in the Middle East, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking on Monday at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tinubu expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance on achieving a peaceful resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” President Tinubu stated.
He urged leaders to take immediate action, emphasising that “no political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.”
The extraordinary one-day summit, convened by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, and the League of Arab States, gathered regional leaders to discuss the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
Tinubu joined other Heads of State in condemning the continued loss of civilian lives and underscored the need for proportionate responses, aligning with international legal and diplomatic standards.
“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,” he stressed, adding, “An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.”
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution, describing it as essential for peace.
He noted, “It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition.”
He also reminded leaders that the current conflict is rooted in historical complexities that require a “commitment to dialogue and respect for history.”
Commending Saudi leaders for organising the summit, Tinubu described it as a crucial step in fostering peace and assured that Nigeria would continue supporting international peace efforts. He urged for the establishment of a secretariat to oversee the summit’s resolutions, suggesting that selected Heads of Government work together to implement these resolutions and provide regular updates to OIC and Arab League leaders.
In his remarks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, including civilian targeting and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders and encouraged additional countries to join an international coalition aimed at supporting Palestinian rights and peace.
Tinubu concluded by emphasising that peace can only be achieved through “honest conversation” and recognising the complex realities faced by both sides, adding that the international community must approach the situation with “sincerity and resolve.”
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