In a resolute address to the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has firmly denounced any rejection of a two-State solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasized that denying the right to statehood for the Palestinian people would perpetuate a detrimental and far-reaching threat to global peace.
Guterres highlighted the exacerbation of polarization and the empowerment of extremists worldwide in the event of refusing the statehood of the Palestinian people. He stressed the crucial recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to build their own fully independent state and unequivocally rejected any refusal to accept the two-State solution by any party involved.
The UN Secretary-General underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, expressing concern over the appalling conditions faced by 2.2 million Palestinians, particularly in the face of the upcoming winter. He painted a grim picture of inhumane living conditions, scarcity of shelter, heating, sanitary facilities, food, and drinking water, leading to catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
Guterres also shed light on the collapsing health system in Gaza, with only a fraction of hospitals operational, leaving the population susceptible to infectious diseases. He urgently called for a functioning medical evacuation system to avert further loss of lives.
Moreover, he reiterated his plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, hostage release, and the reduction of tensions in the Middle East. Guterres warned that the ongoing war and suffering in Gaza were fueling turmoil far beyond, leading to dangerous developments across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The UN Secretary-General stressed the need for the realization of a two-State solution and an end to the war, echoing the sentiments of council members who called for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and ensure unimpeded delivery of essential aid.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan and Foreign Affairs Minister for the Observer State of Palestine, Riyad Al Maliki, presented contrasting viewpoints, with Erdan highlighting the Iranian threat and the necessity for Hamas to turn in those responsible for attacks, while Al Maliki emphasized the urgency of ceasing hostilities and delivering vital aid to the Palestinian people.
The discussions at the UN Security Council are poised to continue, with numerous countries waiting to express their stance on the matter. The urgency for a resolution and a pathway to peace remains paramount in the international community.
This pressing issue demands immediate attention and proactive steps towards achieving a lasting solution, ensuring the fundamental rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
