Secretary-General Urges End to Occupation and Advancement of Two-State Solution

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, represented by Chef de Cabinet Earle Courtenay Rattray, delivered a poignant message during a special meeting in New York commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for dignity, justice, and self-determination for the Palestinian people, highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing conflicts. He called for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza and reaffirmed the international community’s responsibility to support Palestinian statehood and rights.

The situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with widespread destruction and suffering reported. Guterres noted that the region lies in ruins, plagued by hunger, disease, and trauma. The toll on human life has been staggering, with tens of thousands, primarily women and children, losing their lives due to the ongoing violence. The Secretary-General underscored the need for life-saving humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without obstruction, emphasizing that Israel has clear obligations as outlined by the International Court of Justice. He urged all member states to contribute to the vital $4 billion target set for the flash appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighting the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing support to millions of Palestinians.

Challenges in the West Bank

In addition to the crisis in Gaza, the Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continue to face severe hardships. Guterres pointed out the ongoing Israeli military operations, settler violence, and the expansion of settlements, which have led to evictions and demolitions. He noted that many recent attacks were directed at Palestinians harvesting their olive crops, a symbol of peace that has been overshadowed by violence. This situation reflects a broader tragedy that has tested the norms guiding the international community for decades. The Secretary-General lamented the high number of journalists and humanitarians, particularly Palestinians, who have lost their lives in the conflict, marking it as one of the deadliest periods in recent history.

Call for Peace and Justice

Guterres reiterated the importance of achieving statehood for the Palestinian people, calling for an end to the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories. He emphasized the need for irreversible progress towards a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully within secure and recognized borders, based on pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both states. He urged the international community, including governments, civil society, and ordinary citizens, to raise their voices in support of Palestinian rights and justice. The Secretary-General expressed hope that the children of Palestine and Israel would one day live in a world free from fear and despair, where families across the Middle East can enjoy dignity and peace.

Turning Hope into Action

On this International Day of Solidarity, Guterres called for collective action to transform hope into reality. He encouraged all stakeholders to work together to help the olive tree grow once more, symbolizing justice, humanity, and peace. The Secretary-General’s message serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people and the urgent need for the international community to stand in solidarity with them. As the world reflects on this day, the call for justice and self-determination for Palestine remains a critical issue that demands attention and action from all corners of the globe.

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