UN Warns Two-State Solution for Israelis, Palestinians is Fading

Sigrid Kaag, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, warned the U.N. Security Council that this may be "our last chance" for a peaceful, two-state resolution. She emphasized that, while peace, security, and dignity are within reach, continued inaction is pushing the two-state solution further out of grasp.

"Words themselves won’t solve it," Kaag said. "It requires active political engagement and diplomacy, and we must recognize that the geographical viability of the two-state solution is withering away before our very eyes."

She pointed to a number of factors contributing to the erosion of prospects for peace, including the ongoing violence in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements, and the potential annexation of the West Bank. Kaag reiterated that while statements of intent have been made, concrete action is needed from all sides.

In the Security Council, Kaag raised alarms over the escalation of Israeli military operations in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm, which have intensified since January 21, 2025. She condemned the violence on both sides, including Israeli airstrikes and militant Palestinian attacks, as well as the ongoing intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

Gaza Ceasefire
On the situation in Gaza, Kaag stressed the urgent need for all parties to adhere to the three-phase ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. She called on both Israel and Hamas to uphold their commitments, particularly as the first phase of the agreement nears its expiration. "We cannot afford to resume fighting," she cautioned.

The acting U.S. ambassador, Dorothy Shea, expressed concern over Hamas’s continued control of Gaza, highlighting the 63 hostages still held by the group, including four American citizens. She insisted that as long as Hamas remains a governing force, peace is unattainable. "Hamas must be eradicated," Shea said.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon echoed these sentiments, stating that Israel would continue its efforts to eliminate Hamas, with military action remaining an option. "We will not be deterred," Danon asserted. "We will secure the safety and future of Israel."

Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour voiced concerns over the potential collapse of the ceasefire agreement. He questioned whether Israel would prioritize the ceasefire or resume hostilities. "Will they destroy the ceasefire and resume fighting?" Mansour asked. "Or will we take action to save lives?"

Appeal from Former Hostage
Noa Argamani, a former hostage held by Hamas for eight months, spoke directly to the Security Council, urging the full implementation of the ceasefire deal. Argamani, whose partner is still being held in Gaza, stressed that every second in captivity endangers lives. "We must end this tragedy immediately," she said. "Without immediate action, more innocent lives will be lost."

Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, the first phase is set to expire on Saturday. Reports indicate that 30 Israeli and foreign hostages have been released, along with the remains of four slain captives. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have been freed. The second phase, which would see the release of additional hostages, is expected to follow soon.

Argamani's plea to the Security Council served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgency of finding a lasting solution.