President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, emphasizing that the prolonged conflict has caused immense suffering for Palestinians. Speaking at an emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, convened to address the Middle East crisis, Tinubu expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu advocated for a two-state solution that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. “The conflict in Palestine has gone on for too long, bringing unimaginable suffering to countless lives. As nations that value justice and dignity, we must urgently bring this crisis to an end,” Tinubu said.

Calling on all parties to respect proportionality and the rights of civilians, Tinubu underscored the importance of restraint in line with international legal standards. “In a rules-based world, self-defense must include proportionality. The lives and futures of civilians cannot simply be dismissed as collateral damage,” he added.

The one-day summit, attended by leaders of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, was a follow-up to last year’s Riyadh summit. Tinubu praised Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for hosting the event, calling it a critical chance to renew diplomatic efforts for sustainable peace.

Highlighting Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, Tinubu stated, “It’s not just a diplomatic position but a vision based on equality and mutual recognition.” He urged the international community to support dialogue over violence, adding that “this conflict can only be resolved through principled compromise.”

Tinubu also warned about the global implications of the continued violence, noting that it spreads division far and wide. “The world must find new paths to peace, without delay,” he urged.

Nigeria, Tinubu assured, will continue to back international peace initiatives in the Middle East, drawing from its own experiences to support efforts that foster stability in the region.