Nigeria has renewed its support for a two-state solution as the only sustainable path to peace between Israel and Palestine. The call was made during a United Nations High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, presented the country’s position. He said Nigeria firmly believes in the need for a peaceful resolution that allows both Israel and Palestine to coexist in secure and recognized borders.
The two-state concept was first introduced in 1947 through UN General Assembly Resolution 181. The resolution suggested splitting the land into two states—one Jewish and one Arab—with Jerusalem under international control. While the Jewish leadership accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, leading to decades of conflict.
Endoni noted that Nigeria had made several diplomatic efforts over the years to help resolve the crisis. These included visits to both countries to encourage a return to peace talks. He emphasized the need for concrete actions to follow past efforts and realize a two-state solution.
In his speech, Endoni stated that Nigeria supports full UN membership for the State of Palestine. He said this recognition is crucial to giving the Palestinian people the rights and privileges they deserve as a sovereign nation.
He stressed that the goal should be lasting peace, with Israel and Palestine living side by side within pre-1967 borders. These borders are considered internationally accepted as the foundation for peace between the two peoples.
Endoni also condemned the ongoing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. He said the rising death toll is unacceptable and that there is no justification for the continuing bloodshed. He called for immediate efforts to protect human lives and uphold justice.
Nigeria urged the UN Security Council to ensure a lasting and fair solution. It asked the Council to safeguard the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and independence. Nigeria believes a political agreement based on the two-state idea will bring stability to the region.
The country welcomed the global conference and praised efforts by Saudi Arabia and France to push for progress. Nigeria said such efforts are in line with key UN resolutions and the global call for peace in Palestine.
It also cited the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which highlights the legal issues caused by Israel’s actions in the occupied territories. Nigeria stressed that Israel has a duty to end its occupation to allow the Palestinian people full rights.
Nigeria called on the UN to live up to its responsibility as a force for fairness and peace. It said the organization must continue to act as a global platform for unity and justice, especially in long-standing conflicts like this one.
In addition, Nigeria expressed full support for Egypt and Qatar’s diplomatic talks aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire. It also backed the Arab-Islamic Plan for Gaza’s recovery, which focuses on rebuilding and development with support from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Highlighting the humanitarian crisis, Nigeria called for strong global support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The country urged that the agency’s funding be kept stable to continue providing essential services to Palestinians in need.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and the rights of the Palestinian people. It ended by calling for global cooperation to achieve a lasting solution to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
