Guterres warns against undermining the two-state solution and Israeli practices
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his strong and unequivocal opposition to all Israeli actions and practices that undermine the two-state solution, specifically citing the dangers of settlement expansion, home demolitions, forced displacement, and escalating settler violence throughout the occupied West Bank. Guterres's remarks underscored the deteriorating situation that threatens the prospects for peace in the region.
The dangers of settlements to the peace process
Guterres stressed the need for an immediate end to these practices, which violate international law, and called for the creation of the necessary political and security conditions for the establishment of a future, geographically contiguous, and viable Palestinian state. He clarified that this state must include the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as the territories occupied in 1967—the basis upon which the international community agrees for ending the conflict.
This stance comes within the context of a long history of conflict, where the two-state solution has been the cornerstone of international diplomacy for decades. Observers believe that the continued policy of land confiscation in the West Bank and its separation from the Gaza Strip makes the implementation of this solution virtually impossible on the ground, threatening to plunge the region into an endless cycle of violence and destabilize regional and international stability.
Gaza and Security Council resolutions
Regarding political developments and international proposals, and in response to questions about the US vision for the region's future, the Secretary-General referred to the UN Security Council resolutions concerning the Gaza Strip. Guterres stressed the need for the effective implementation of these resolutions and a move towards a sustainable ceasefire that guarantees the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and paves the way politically for a return to serious negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
The rule of law versus the logic of force
In concluding his warnings during the press conference held at the beginning of the year, Guterres sounded the alarm about the decline in respect for international humanitarian law and UN conventions. He expressed his deep concern that the world is witnessing a dangerous shift where the "logic of force" is prevailing over the "rule of law," amidst continued attacks and criticism directed at multilateral international institutions, which weakens their ability to maintain international peace and security and protect civilians in conflict zones.
