At the Saudi-hosted summit held on November 11, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria urged an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Gaza, stressing the importance of a two-state solution to resolve the longstanding conflict. Speaking to leaders and diplomats from across the globe, Tinubu emphasized that peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, advocating for mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
In his address, Tinubu condemned the recent escalation of violence, which has led to significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. He appealed to the international community to act decisively, not only to halt ongoing hostilities but to support a framework that would pave the way for a sustainable peace in the region. Highlighting Nigeria’s stance, he reiterated the country’s commitment to human rights and the protection of civilians, noting the heavy toll of the conflict on Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children.
The Nigerian president reaffirmed his belief that a two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state coexisting alongside Israel within recognized borders, remains the only viable path to lasting peace. Tinubu called upon both sides to return to negotiations, appealing to the international community to support these efforts through balanced and constructive diplomatic engagements.
Tinubu’s call for peace at the Saudi summit aligns with a broader African stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with many African leaders voicing concerns over the humanitarian impacts and calling for a negotiated settlement. The Nigerian president also underscored Africa’s role as a partner for peace, encouraging the continent to join efforts that promote stability and dialogue.
This summit, attended by various heads of state and representatives from around the world, provided a platform for addressing key issues in the Middle East, with leaders collectively voicing the need for a de-escalation of tensions and a focus on humanitarian aid for affected communities in Gaza.