Secretary-General Urges Security Council to Seize Two-State Momentum in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
We are currently witnessing one of the most troubling phases of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Guterres highlighted the ongoing violence that has escalated since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military response. He emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians are suffering from severe shortages of essential resources. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the international community to take decisive action to restore peace and stability in the region.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with the Israeli military operations exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Guterres described the relentless bombardment that has left countless Palestinian civilians trapped without access to food, water, electricity, or medical care. The ongoing violence has created a reality of famine, forcing the population to flee their homes while facing starvation. He stated that the scale of human suffering in the region is beyond comprehension, labeling the current circumstances as morally and legally indefensible.
Guterres has consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. However, he noted that UN resolutions are being ignored, and international humanitarian law is being violated, leading to a growing sense of impunity. The Secretary-General warned that the violence is not confined to Gaza but is spreading to the Occupied West Bank and beyond, posing threats to regional and global peace.
Threats to the Two-State Solution
The viability of a two-state solution is increasingly at risk, according to Guterres. He pointed out that relentless settlement expansion, forced displacement, and cycles of violence have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation. The recent approval of settlement construction in the E1 area is particularly concerning, as it threatens to sever the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state. Guterres emphasized that Israeli settlements are not merely a political issue but a blatant violation of international law.
At the same time, the Palestinian Authority is facing an existential crisis, struggling with fiscal, political, and institutional challenges. The withholding of clearance revenues by Israel, along with a decline in donor aid, has severely impacted the Palestinian economy. This has left the Palestinian Authority unable to pay salaries or provide essential services. Guterres stressed the urgent need for international support to stabilize the Palestinian Authority and maintain its role as a partner for peace.
International Efforts and Hope for Peace
Despite the grim situation, Guterres noted a glimmer of hope with the recent resumption of the High-Level International Conference on a Two-State Solution. He commended France and Saudi Arabia for co-chairing the meeting, which aims to reignite political momentum towards peace. The recognition of Palestinian statehood by several countries, including permanent members of the Security Council, is seen as a positive step forward. Guterres reiterated that the path to a two-state solution involves establishing an independent and sovereign State of Palestine alongside Israel, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
He urged the international community to seize this moment and ensure that the future of Gaza is anchored in international law, rejecting any form of ethnic cleansing. Guterres called for a collective commitment to diplomacy and the dignity of all people, emphasizing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence.
Call to Action for the Security Council
Guterres concluded his remarks by outlining the responsibilities of the Security Council in addressing the ongoing crisis. He stressed that the fragile moment must not be allowed to slip away and that immediate actions are necessary to reverse dangerous trends on the ground. The Secretary-General called for an end to settlement activities and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, urging support for Palestinian institutions to ensure fiscal stability and essential reforms.
He reiterated that a just and lasting peace requires a commitment to international law and diplomacy. The time for decisive action is now, as the world watches the unfolding situation in the Middle East with growing concern.
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