Guterres Urges Recommitment to Two-State Israel-Palestine Solution

The Separation wall in the West Bank.

The time has come to free the 48 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza and to stop the bombing, massacres, and displacement in the embattled enclave, French President Emmanuel Macron told delegates in the UN General Assembly Hall on Monday.

He spoke at the resumption of the international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia, focused on the question of Palestine and the two-State solution with Israel.

“The time for peace has come because we’re just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace,” he said.‘

The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday. President Macron announced that France would join them, drawing lengthy applause from delegates.

“The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel, which France has supported from Day One and remains staunchly committed to respecting,” he said.

“This is why we are convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow Israel to live in peace.”

The meeting follows the General Assembly’s overwhelming endorsement of the outcome declaration from the first phase of the conference, held in July at UN Headquarters.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud thanked those countries that have recognized the State of Palestine or announced their intention to do so.

“We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step, which will have a great impact on supporting efforts toward implementing the two-State solution, achieving permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and creating a reality in which the region can enjoy peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed that nothing can justify the horrific 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

He called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and safe, unconditional, and unhindered humanitarian access—all of which must happen immediately.

The UN chief added that nothing can excuse developments in the West Bank that threaten the two-State solution. He called for an end to “relentless” settlement expansion, “the creeping threat of annexation,” and intensifying settler violence.

“We must recommit ourselves to the Two-State solution before it is too late,” he warned.

“Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” he said, drawing applause. “Denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. Without two States, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread around the world.”

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock insisted that the two-State solution is the only way to ensure future generations of both Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace, security, and dignity.

“We know that some think this is a naïve wish,” she said, noting that the first resolution on the matter “is almost as old as this organization.”

To those who point to decades of failure, she emphasised that failing to aim for what is right means “evil would prevail” and could mark “the end of this institution.”

Ms. Baerbock added that the international community is committed not only to the two-State solution but also to “identifying tangible, time-bound, and irreversible steps for its realisation,” while taking decisive measures and providing international guarantees.