Nigeria to advocate peaceful resolution at Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria will participate in the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to reinforce its longstanding ties with the Middle East and contribute to discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, a Nigerian official attending the summit has revealed.
According to information made available to Western Post, President Bola Tinubu is expected to call for an immediate ceasefire and encourage all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Speaking ahead of the summit, which starts on Monday, November 11, 2024, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the event will bring together regional leaders to address the ongoing crisis.
Idris stressed that Nigeria’s position remains firm: a diplomatic approach is the only viable solution. “We must find a diplomatic solution, and this is what we are here to promote,” he stated during a press briefing in Riyadh.
Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine as neighboring nations living peacefully within secure borders.
“Nigeria believes that the only way forward is to address the root issues,” he added, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
Nigeria aims to leverage its role at the summit to advocate for peaceful solutions and contribute to regional stability. “This conflict stems from both nations feeling a sense of loss. Nigeria believes that without a diplomatic solution, the conflict risks spreading across the region and possibly beyond,” Idris warned.
Background
Tensions escalated sharply on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of around 251 hostages. Israel responded with an extensive bombing campaign targeting Gaza to dismantle Hamas, the group governing the territory.
Despite growing global calls for a ceasefire, Israel has vowed to continue its operations until Hamas is eradicated. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with international health organizations reporting over 41,000 deaths, including many women and children, since the conflict began.
Essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies are nearly exhausted, prompting warnings from global hunger authorities.
A recent report cautioned that, without intervention, almost half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents could soon face starvation, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian emergency unfolding in the region.
