United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called on world leaders to renew efforts toward achieving a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing that there is no viable alternative.
Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres underscored the importance of maintaining the two-State solution as a realistic goal, despite the ongoing crisis.
“It is absolutely essential to keep alive the two-State solution perspective, given the terrible events unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said.
Guterres was responding to a question regarding his message to global leaders attending a high-level international conference later this month, convened to promote a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.
“To those who question the viability of the two-State solution, I ask: What is the alternative? A one-state solution where Palestinians are either expelled or forced to live in their homeland without rights?” he queried.
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Mandated by the UN General Assembly, the upcoming high-level meeting aims to chart a practical and action-oriented path towards lasting peace based on the two-State framework. The conference will feature thematic roundtables focused on critical issues such as security, humanitarian reconstruction, and the economic sustainability of a future Palestinian state.
Guterres also expressed disappointment over the Security Council’s failure on Wednesday to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages.
Although the draft resolution received the backing of all ten elected Council members and four of the five permanent members, it was ultimately vetoed by the United States.
“We are always disappointed when ceasefires fail to materialise, when hostages are not released, and when humanitarian aid is either not delivered or delivered in a manner that endangers the lives of countless Palestinians,” Guterres said in response to another journalist.
The Secretary-General reiterated that only a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access would enable the UN to deliver substantial relief to civilians in Gaza.
He noted that during earlier temporary ceasefires, the UN had successfully mobilised large-scale humanitarian assistance.
