UN leader states two-state resolution approaches brink of failure
On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that "the world cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear."
TroibNews 
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a grave warning on Tuesday, stating that the two-state solution concerning the Palestinian question "is near a point of no return."
During his address at the UN Security Council's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, Guterres highlighted the region's ongoing fundamental changes, characterized by violence and volatility but also marked by opportunities and potential. He emphasized that "truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question" – the vision of Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely as two states with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both.
However, Guterres pointed out that the prospect of a two-state solution is "at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance," with the "political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been."
The UN chief remarked that following the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically across all fronts—including unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza, Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and high levels of settler violence amidst a pervasive sense of impunity.
"The world cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear," he stressed, underscoring that political leaders have distinct choices before them: to remain silent, to acquiesce, or to take action.
Expressing concern over comments made by Israeli officials regarding the use of humanitarian aid as leverage for military pressure, Guterres underscored the necessity of ensuring unimpeded humanitarian assistance, particularly through the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
"We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And we need a permanent ceasefire," Guterres added.
He urged UN member states to leverage their influence to uphold international law and prevent impunity, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law.
The UN chief pointed out that as an occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure that the population has access to food and medical supplies, to agree to and facilitate relief efforts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian, medical, and UN personnel.
Guterres emphasized the international community's responsibility to prevent ongoing occupation and violence and called for irreversible actions from UN member states aimed at realizing the two-state solution.
He highlighted the importance of the High-Level Conference planned for June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a significant opportunity to reinvigorate international support. Guterres encouraged member states to move beyond mere affirmations and to explore creative, actionable steps to support a viable two-state solution before it becomes too late. He also called for enhanced and sustained political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.
"Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region, and humanity," the UN chief concluded.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
During his address at the UN Security Council's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, Guterres highlighted the region's ongoing fundamental changes, characterized by violence and volatility but also marked by opportunities and potential. He emphasized that "truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question" – the vision of Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely as two states with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both.
However, Guterres pointed out that the prospect of a two-state solution is "at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance," with the "political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been."
The UN chief remarked that following the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically across all fronts—including unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza, Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and high levels of settler violence amidst a pervasive sense of impunity.
"The world cannot afford to watch the two-state solution disappear," he stressed, underscoring that political leaders have distinct choices before them: to remain silent, to acquiesce, or to take action.
Expressing concern over comments made by Israeli officials regarding the use of humanitarian aid as leverage for military pressure, Guterres underscored the necessity of ensuring unimpeded humanitarian assistance, particularly through the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
"We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. And we need a permanent ceasefire," Guterres added.
He urged UN member states to leverage their influence to uphold international law and prevent impunity, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law.
The UN chief pointed out that as an occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure that the population has access to food and medical supplies, to agree to and facilitate relief efforts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian, medical, and UN personnel.
Guterres emphasized the international community's responsibility to prevent ongoing occupation and violence and called for irreversible actions from UN member states aimed at realizing the two-state solution.
He highlighted the importance of the High-Level Conference planned for June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a significant opportunity to reinvigorate international support. Guterres encouraged member states to move beyond mere affirmations and to explore creative, actionable steps to support a viable two-state solution before it becomes too late. He also called for enhanced and sustained political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority.
"Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region, and humanity," the UN chief concluded.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
