In a recent session of UN Security Council, the longstanding issue of a Palestinian state and the situation in Gaza were once again at the forefront of discussions. This expanded meeting on the Middle East conflict, open to the participation of all member countries, witnessed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing the imperative rejection of any refusal to adopt a two-state solution.
Guterres underscored that a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hinges on a two-state solution, questioning the feasibility of an alternative.
“What would a one-state solution look like with so many Palestinians inside, without any real sense of freedom, rights, and dignity? It would be unthinkable”, he stated.
UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of realizing the legitimate security needs of Israelis and the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for a fully independent, viable, and sovereign state. This, he emphasized, should align with UN resolutions, international law, and previous agreements.
Addressing UN Security Council, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki urged the recognition of the state of Palestine at the United Nations, emphasizing that historical precedents, like Israel’s admission to UN, should guide their decision-making.
“75 years ago, we did not have a veto on Israel’s admission to the United Nations. Israel does not have a veto over the adoption of the State of Palestine 75 years later.”, al-Maliki stated.
The ongoing meeting of UN Security Council, a quarterly gathering to discuss the protracted Middle East conflict, has drawn participation from more than 50 countries, including foreign ministers. The discussions cover various perspectives on achieving a resolution to the complex situation, underlining the global importance of addressing these longstanding challenges.
