The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, delivered a stark warning: the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine is 'near a point of no return'. Speaking to the UN Security Council, he described a Middle East at a crossroads—rife with both volatility and opportunity.
Guterres stressed that truly sustainable peace hinges on one central question: two states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both.
But the promise of this vision is slipping away. Since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks by Hamas, the conflict has deepened on every front—devastation in Gaza, Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and settler violence at alarmingly high levels.
'The world cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear', Guterres insisted, outlining the stark choices facing political leaders: stay silent, acquiesce or take action.
He expressed alarm over comments by Israeli officials suggesting humanitarian aid could be used as leverage in military operations. He warned that no hindrance can be allowed, especially to life-saving work by UNRWA.
Calling for a permanent ceasefire, he added, 'We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages'.
Guterres urged UN member states to use their influence to uphold international law and prevent impunity, reminding all parties of their obligations under human rights and humanitarian treaties.
As the occupying power, Israel must ensure food and medical access for the population, agree to relief schemes in the occupied Palestinian territory and protect humanitarian, medical and UN personnel.
Stressing the global community's responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence, he called on states to take irreversible steps toward implementing the two-state solution.
Looking ahead to the High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Guterres said this will be a critical opportunity to turn affirmations into concrete support—both political and financial—for the Palestinian Authority.
He concluded by urging member states to 'show political courage and exercise political will' to make peace a reality for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and all of humanity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
