Tinubu: The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza

President Bola Tinubu has called for an immediate end to the “prolonged Israeli aggression” in Gaza.

A statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information, said Tinubu made the call at the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The president expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that “the conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering”.

Tinubu, who called for ceasefire in Gaza, said Nigeria is in support of a two-state solution — where both Israeli and Palestinians can co-exist in security and dignity.

“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” the statement reads.

“As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict.

“It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long.

“No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.”

He added that the parties in conflict must respect the principles of proportionality and the basic rights of civilians, consistent with global legal and diplomatic frameworks.

He commended  Salman Al Saud, the king of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit.

The president described the summit as a crucial opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts, noting that Nigeria is committed to advancing peace and stability in the Middle East.

“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,” Tinubu added.

“An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral,” he said.

“It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition.

“Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7 in 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context.

“This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay.”