By Muhammad Mamman
At the United Nations High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution held at UN Headquarters in New York, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution as the path to resolving the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
In a statement delivered by Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Nigeria underscored its historical efforts to mediate the conflict. These efforts have included high-level diplomatic engagements with both Israel and Palestine, urging both parties to resume negotiations.
The UN General Assembly Resolution 181, adopted on 29 November 1947, proposed partitioning Palestine into independent Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem designated as an international zone. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, resulting in escalating tensions and violence.
“Nigeria calls for tangible progress on initiatives that can realise a two-state solution, bringing an end to this protracted conflict,” Mr Endoni stated. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations, with all associated rights and privileges.
Nigeria expressed hope that the conference would mark a significant step towards a just and lasting resolution, enabling Palestinians and Israelis to coexist peacefully within secure, internationally recognised borders based on the pre-1967 lines. Mr Endoni condemned the ongoing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing the rising loss of life as “unacceptable” and affirming that the Palestinian people’s right to independence is fundamental to achieving justice and peace in the region.
He urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action to secure the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and sovereignty, consistent with pre-1967 borders. Nigeria welcomed the conference, convened through the efforts of Saudi Arabia and France, as a vital platform to address the challenges of implementing the two-state solution in line with relevant UN resolutions.
“The ongoing crisis in Gaza and other Palestinian territories demands urgent attention,” Mr Endoni said. “The enduring Israel-Palestine conflict reflects a failure of the international community to uphold the principles of the United Nations in combatting inequality, violence, and unlawful occupation.”
Citing the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, Nigeria called for an end to Israel’s presence in these territories to facilitate Palestinian self-determination. The statement emphasised the UN’s critical role as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for global collaboration.
Nigeria reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called on occupying authorities to adhere to their obligations under international law. It also commended the diplomatic efforts of Egypt and Qatar to secure an immediate and permanent ceasefire and endorsed the Arab-Islamic Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development of Gaza, presented by Egypt.
By advocating for a two-state solution, Nigeria continues to champion a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, urging the international community to act decisively to achieve lasting peace and justice.
