President Bola Tinubu has called for an immediate end to the prolonged Israeli aggression in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
A statement released Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information, stated that Tinubu made this appeal during the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The president expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that “the conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering.”
Tinubu urged an immediate ceasefire, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to coexist with security and dignity.
“The conflict in Palestine has endured for far too long, bringing immense suffering to countless lives,” the statement reads. “As representatives of nations that uphold justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we are morally obligated to work together to end this conflict.”
He, however, urged the international community to take meaningful action, stating, “It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must actively work to end Israeli aggression in Gaza. No political aim, military strategy, or security concern should come at the expense of innocent lives.”
Tinubu underscored the importance of adhering to principles of proportionality and respecting civilian rights, in accordance with global legal and diplomatic norms. He also commended Saudi King Salman Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the summit, describing it as a critical opportunity to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts toward Middle Eastern peace and stability.
“In a rules-based international order, states have the right to self-defense. However, this must be balanced with proportionality, consistent with global legal, diplomatic, and moral standards,” Tinubu said, adding that, “An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.”
He reiterated that Nigeria is committed to promoting peace in the region, advocating a solution rooted in equality and mutual respect. “Achieving peace requires a commitment to dialogue and a deep respect for historical context,” Tinubu noted. “This conflict did not begin on October 7, 2023. A resolution demands principled compromise.”
The President included that the widespread impact of the violence, remarking, “The corrosive effect of constant images of violence, seen on billions of screens around the world, deepens divisions. We must urgently seek new paths to peace, without delay.”