Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that Nigeria is joining the joint Arab-Islamic Summit due to its geographical closeness and longstanding ties with the Middle East.
The summit is set to begin on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict during the event, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and stressing the importance of a peaceful resolution.
Mr. Idris explained that Nigeria’s stance is to seek a peaceful resolution, as the conflict cannot be settled through warfare. “We need to pursue a diplomatic approach, and that’s precisely why we are participating in this summit,” the minister stated to reporters in Riyadh. He noted that Nigeria aims to contribute its voice as a significant global player to push for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine issue.
Experts often argue that the conflict’s sustainable resolution lies in a two-state solution. Mr. Idris highlighted that Nigeria consistently supports a “two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure borders.” He emphasized that Nigeria views this as the only viable path forward, urging a return to addressing the core issues.
Mr. Idris remarked, “The conflict stems from both sides feeling that they are losing something. Unless a diplomatic solution is reached, the situation may engulf the region and potentially impact the wider world.”
The conflict intensified following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and saw 251 hostages taken by Hamas. Israel responded by besieging Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 41,000 people, mostly women and children.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, Israel has pledged to continue its offensive against Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating that famine is imminent in northern Gaza and escalating conflict could push half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents towards severe starvation.
Mr. Idris concluded, “Without peace in the Middle East, Nigeria is also likely to face challenges.”
Chimmy Liya