Guterres Says Two-State Solution Has No Alternative

Guterres Warns Time Is Running Out

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that time is running out for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, saying that the conditions needed for a viable Palestinian state are being undermined. He made the remarks during a high-level meeting on the two-state solution on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

UN Chief Calls for a Viable Palestinian State

Guterres said the international community must continue working toward two independent and sovereign states living alongside each other in peace and security. He has described the two-state framework, based on the pre-1967 lines and relevant international law and UN resolutions, as the credible route toward a lasting settlement.

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Settlement Expansion Raises UN Concerns

The UN secretary-general raised concerns about settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He said settlement activity, demolitions, evictions, displacement and land seizures were creating conditions that could further undermine prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.

E1 Area Near Jerusalem Draws Attention

Guterres specifically highlighted developments concerning the E1 area east of Jerusalem. He warned that advancing settlement plans there could further affect the territorial continuity needed for a future Palestinian state. His comments form part of the UN's broader warning about developments affecting the West Bank.

Gaza Situation Remains Part of the Discussion

Guterres also linked the political question to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In his UN address, he called for fighting to stop and humanitarian assistance to reach people in need, while emphasizing that international law must be respected.

Guterres Calls for Action Beyond Diplomatic Statements

The UN chief urged governments to translate support for a two-state solution into policies and concrete actions. He called for efforts to prevent further settlement expansion, support Palestinian institutions and advance a political process addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What the Two-State Framework Means

The framework supported by Guterres envisages Israel and Palestine as two independent, sovereign and democratic states living side by side in peace and security, with borders based on the pre-1967 lines and Jerusalem serving as the capital of both states.