UNITED NATIONS: The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, issued a stern warning to Israel, expressing concern that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution could perpetuate a conflict with global implications and embolden extremists worldwide.
Guterres, addressing a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council, emphasized the importance of recognizing “the right of the Palestinian people to build their own fully independent state” and firmly rejecting any party’s refusal to accept the two-state solution. He stressed that an alternative one-state solution, without ensuring freedom, rights, and dignity for a large Palestinian population, would be inconceivable.
Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of a Palestinian state in postwar scenarios has created a significant diplomatic rift, particularly with the United States, which advocates for negotiations leading to a two-state solution. Various nations reiterated their support for this goal during the council meeting.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal and called for the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
UAE’s Ambassador to the UN, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, echoed the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for life-saving aid and the safe return of hostages.
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The United States, represented by Uzra Zeya, the State Department’s under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, reiterated its commitment to a pathway leading to a Palestinian state and normalization between Israel and regional states. Zeya emphasized the goal of preventing Gaza from becoming a platform for terror and ensuring a future where Palestinians have their own state.
In contrast, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the U.S. stance, accusing it of providing carte blanche for the collective punishment of Palestinians. He called for a reduction in hostilities and a ceasefire.
Secretary-General Guterres repeated his longstanding call for a humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing global support for this appeal. Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, however, rejected a ceasefire, citing Hamas’s commitment to attacking and destroying Israel.
Erdan urged the Security Council to address Iran, which he identified as the root cause of the conflict. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned against Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas and emphasized the need to stop the genocide in Gaza.
The Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki, accused Israel of carrying out the most savage bombing campaign since World War II, leading to famine and mass displacement. Al-Maliki presented two future paths, one towards Palestinian freedom and Mideast peace, and the other denying freedom, leading to further bloodshed and conflict.
France’s Foreign Minister, Stéphane Séjourné, warned of a real risk of regional conflagration and urged the world to deliver clear messages to both parties. He emphasized the importance of telling Israel that there must be a Palestinian state and instructing Palestinians that Israel has the right to live in peace and security.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the argument that the war is about providing security for Israel, emphasizing the Palestinians’ right to security and self-defense.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemned the “ideology of hate” embraced by Israeli ministers and urged the council to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and blocking a Palestinian state. Safadi called for a binding resolution to stop settler terrorism against the Palestinian people.
