UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed on Tuesday that a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
During a high-level open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Guterres condemned the recent rejection of the two-state solution by the highest levels of the Israeli government.
Despite appeals from friends of Israel, Guterres stated that the refusal to accept the two-state solution and the denial of the right to statehood for the Palestinian people would prolong the conflict, posing a major threat to global peace and security.
He warned that such a stance would exacerbate polarization and embolden extremists.
Guterres emphasized the importance of recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to build their own fully independent state and firmly rejecting any refusal to accept the two-state solution.
He argued that the two-state solution is the only way to address the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, ensuring security for Israelis and fulfilling the aspirations of Palestinians for a fully independent, viable, and sovereign state in accordance with UN resolutions, international law, and previous agreements.
Guterres concluded by stating that the international community must unite to support Israelis and Palestinians in advancing a meaningful peace process.
