RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He said the world must act fast to stop the growing crisis in the region
Speaking at the Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Mohamud thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the event and for the warm welcome from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He voiced deep concern over the violence in Gaza, which he said is worsening by the day. “Gaza is facing unimaginable destruction. This is not just a crisis for the region—it’s a crisis for all of humanity,” he said.
President Mohamud, whose country has faced its own conflict, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. “Somalia understands the pain of conflict. We know how it destroys lives and weakens communities,” he said. “Somalia stands with the people of Palestine and calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”
He also stressed the need for urgent international cooperation to deliver aid to Gaza and called for dialogue to replace further violence. “We cannot allow more lives to be lost. We need space for talks, not more bloodshed,” he said.
The president reiterated Somalia’s support for a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, calling it the only path to lasting peace in the region.
In his closing remarks, Mohamud thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for organizing the summit and expressed hope the discussions would lead to real action for peace. “The choices we make today will shape tomorrow,” he said. “We must act with compassion, not just for Palestine, but for the future of the entire region.”
