Tinubu Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza at Arab-Islamic Summit

President Bola Tinubu has urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling for an end to the ongoing Israeli aggression that has caused immense suffering in the region.

In a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information, Tinubu made the call during the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the need for swift action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that the conflict has dragged on for far too long, resulting in immeasurable pain and loss.

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

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution, where both Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully, with security and dignity for all. He stressed that no political or military objective should justify the continued loss of innocent lives.

“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,” he stated, adding that the parties involved must adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect the basic rights of civilians, in line with international law and diplomatic norms.

The president also commended Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit, which he described as a vital platform for reinvigorating diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Middle East.

In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized that while nations have the right to self-defense, such actions must be proportionate and in accordance with global legal, diplomatic, and moral frameworks. He added, “An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.”

The president called for a renewed focus on dialogue, understanding, and compromise, acknowledging that the roots of the conflict predate recent events. He urged the international community to seek new pathways to peace, citing the damaging impact of the ongoing violence, especially in the age of constant media exposure.

“This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly,” Tinubu said. “We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay.”

As the summit continues, President Tinubu’s call for an immediate ceasefire reflects Nigeria’s commitment to supporting global efforts for a just and lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.