BREAKING: President Tinubu demands end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

…calls for two-state solution at Saudi summit

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has called for peace in Gaza, urging an end to Israeli aggression and the realization of a two-state solution that would enable Israelis and Palestinians to coexist with security and dignity.

Tinubu made these remarks during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, convened by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The one-day summit, a follow-up to last year’s Riyadh summit, was attended by Heads of State and Government from OIC member states and the League of Arab States.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, President Tinubu emphasized the country’s support for a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can live peacefully and securely. He stated that this solution remains vital for achieving lasting peace in the region.

“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, causing immeasurable suffering for countless lives,” he said.

“As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring an end to this conflict. It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must act to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has gone on for far too long. No political objective, military strategy, or security concern should come at the expense of innocent lives.”

The Nigerian leader also urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to respect the principles of proportionality and the basic rights of civilians, in accordance with global legal and diplomatic frameworks.

“In a rules-based international order, states have the right to self-defense, but self-defense must be proportional, consistent with global legal, diplomatic, and moral standards. An entire civilian population, with their hopes and dreams, cannot be treated as mere collateral damage,” he stated.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s consistent stance on the two-state solution, which he described as a beacon of hope for both Israelis and Palestinians, ensuring their right to self-determination and peace.

“It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in equality and mutual recognition,” he said. “Achieving this vision requires commitment to dialogue and respect for history. This conflict did not begin on October 7, 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, with a deep understanding of the historical context.”

He highlighted the pervasive impact of the violence, stating, “This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that its divisive ripples spread quickly. The corrosive effect of images of endless violence, replayed on a billion smartphones, is immense. We must find new pathways to peace, without delay.”

President Tinubu commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit, calling it a crucial opportunity to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts and work toward a sustainable peace.

He reassured that Nigeria, drawing from its own experiences, would continue to support international efforts aimed at advancing peace and stability in the Middle East.

“Our own experiences, both domestically and regionally, have shown us that identity politics are no substitute for respecting the nuances of diversity,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of honest dialogue, stating, “The path to reconciliation may be fraught with challenges, but through sincere conversation, we can foster understanding. The international community has the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to this enduring issue. It is our duty to engage in this dialogue with sincerity and resolve, recognizing the complexities that both sides face.”

President Tinubu called for the establishment of a secretariat to oversee the implementation of the summit’s resolutions. He urged leaders to mandate select Heads of Government to garner global support and ensure the resolutions are implemented, providing regular reports to the joint OIC and Arab League leadership until permanent peace is achieved.

In his opening remarks, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, including the targeting of civilians and the violation of the Al-Aqsa mosque. He also denounced Israel’s ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from delivering aid and the displacement of Lebanese citizens.

He stressed the importance of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders, calling for international recognition and the establishment of a Global Coalition with the European Union and Norway. He also urged more states to join this coalition.