Tinubu Calls for Immediate End to Gaza Hostilities at Riyadh Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday called for an end to Israeli hostilities in Gaza, condemning the “immeasurable suffering” inflicted on Palestinians by the prolonged conflict.

Speaking at the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tinubu urged for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Addressing leaders gathered to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, he described the conditions in Gaza as a humanitarian disaster requiring urgent attention.

Tinubu began by expressing gratitude to King Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, saying, “Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to His Majesty for convening this important summit.” He explained that he stood before them with a sense of duty, ready to work toward resolving the Palestinian conflict and realizing a two-state solution, calling this objective “essential and urgent.”

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Acknowledging the prolonged suffering caused by the conflict, Tinubu declared, “As leaders who value justice, dignity, and human life, we have a moral duty to end this conflict immediately.” He called for the international community to go beyond words, stressing, “It is no longer enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must take steps to end Israeli aggression in Gaza. No political aim, military strategy, or security concern should cost so many innocent lives.”

Tinubu recognized the right of self-defense in a rules-based global order, yet cautioned, “Self-defense must take proportionality into account, in line with legal, diplomatic, and moral frameworks. An entire civilian population, their dreams, and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral.”

Addressing the essential nature of humanitarian aid, Tinubu asserted, “Humanitarian aid is a basic human right, not a privilege. No person, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, should be denied aid in times of crisis.” He also called for the protection of humanitarian workers in Gaza to ensure they can carry out their essential mission safely.

Describing the two-state solution as “a beacon of hope, symbolizing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace,” Tinubu stressed that this vision is “not merely a diplomatic stance but one grounded in principles of equality and mutual recognition.” He urged for constructive dialogue, reminding leaders that the conflict did not begin on October 7, 2023, and could only be resolved through “principled compromise.”

Reflecting on the wide-reaching effects of the conflict, he noted, “The impact of repeated images of violence, shared on billions of smartphones, is vast. We must find new pathways to peace without delay.” Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, he added, “Nigeria has always advocated for peace and cooperation among nations. Our own experiences have taught us that identity politics cannot replace respect for diversity.”

Acknowledging the difficulties in achieving reconciliation, he urged the international community to bring fresh perspectives to this unyielding issue, stating, “Honest conversation is essential to fostering understanding, and we must engage in sincere dialogue that considers the complexities faced by all parties.”

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Tinubu concluded with a reminder not to overlook the human cost of the conflict, calling leaders to “prioritize the voices of families torn apart, children growing up in fear, and communities longing for stability.” He urged leaders to advocate for the rights of these people and to work toward a future where their dreams are not overshadowed by conflict.

Tinubu ended his address by calling for solidarity and commitment to peaceful coexistence, stressing, “Together, we can make the vision of a two-state solution a reality, offering a better future for all.” As a final proposal, he suggested the creation of a dedicated Secretariat, composed of selected Heads of Government or senior representatives, to “gather global support, oversee the summit’s resolutions, and provide regular reports to the OIC-Arab leadership until lasting peace is achieved.”

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