New York: Addressing the high-level conference on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution, Mr. Guterres delivered a stark message about the urgency of action and the cost of delay. For decades, Middle East diplomacy has been far more process than peace, he said. Words, speeches, declarations may not have much meaning to those on the ground. They have seen it before. They have heard it before. Meanwhile, destruction and annexation bulldoze ahead.
According to United Nations, Mr. Guterres posed critical questions on the alternatives to a two-State solution, highlighting the unacceptable realities of a one-State scenario where Palestinians are denied equal rights and live under perpetual occupation. He emphasized that this situation does not equate to peace or justice.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Guterres spoke at the conference's pre-opening session, warning that the conflict had reached a breaking point. The conflict has endured for generations, defying hopes, diplomacy, resolutions, and international law. However, he stated that its persistence is not inevitable and highlighted the need for political will and courageous leadership to resolve the issue.
The three-day conference, mandated by the General Assembly through resolutions ES-10/24 and 79/81 and co-organized by France and Saudi Arabia, brings together Member States, observers, and regional stakeholders. It features plenary discussions and thematic roundtables on issues ranging from security arrangements and humanitarian response to reconstruction and economic viability.
In his opening address, Mr. Guterres stressed the urgency of swift action, stating that trust is eroding, institutions are weakening, and hopes are being dashed. He outlined necessary steps, including ending violence, annexation, and settlement activities; rejecting forced displacement; ensuring accountability for violations of international law; and recommitting to a credible political dialogue rooted in equal rights and dignity for both peoples.
Turning to the war in Gaza, Mr. Guterres condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel but noted that the response has led to unprecedented destruction. He described Gaza as descending into a cascade of catastrophes, with tens of thousands dead and the majority of the population repeatedly displaced. He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access, stressing that these are foundational elements for peace.
In closing, the Secretary-General urged all parties to choose peace as a duty, not just an aspiration. He emphasized that the conflict cannot be managed indefinitely and must be resolved. He called for action to create the conditions necessary for peace rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
The Assembly President echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for decisive change and warning that further delays would worsen suffering and diminish hopes for peace. He reiterated the Assembly's demands for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full humanitarian access, highlighting growing global recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Concluding the conference, Mr. Yang urged concrete, action-oriented steps towards realizing the two-State solution, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions to achieve justice and ensure a peaceful future for all in the Middle East.