UN Secretary General: Palestinian Statement Is Right, Not Gift

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (Source: PBB)

JAKARTA - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the status of the Palestinian state is the right, not a gift, calling on all countries to return to the Two-National Solutions before it is too late.

Speaking at the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the series of the High Level Week of the United Nations 80th General Assembly Session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, Monday, September 22 local time, the Secretary General of the United Nations reiterated that the attacks of Palestinian militant groups on southern Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, as well as collective penalties against the Palestinian people in response to Israel could not be justified.

Inviting delegates attending the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters not to deny it, Secretary General Guterres warned the Palestinian-Israeli conflict had been going on for generations, dialogue had failed, resolution ignored, international law was violated and diplomacy for decades failed.

"We are here today to help find the only way out of this nightmare: A two-state solution, in which two independent, sovereign, and democratic Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and safely within their safe and recognized border based on the borders before 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both countries in line with international law, UN resolution, and other related agreements," Secretary General Guterres said. quoted from the UN website, Tuesday 23 September.

Furthermore, Secretary General Guterres again called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unconditional, and unrestricted humanitarian access, all of which must occur immediately.

"We must re-commit to a two-state solution before it is too late," Secretary General Guterres warned.

"Let us be clear: The state for Palestine is the right, not a gift," he stressed, greeted with applause.

"And the rejection of statehood will be a reward for extremists everywhere. Without two countries, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread throughout the world," he said.

Secretary General Guterres added that the conference should be a catalyst, spurring inevitable progress towards ending the unlawful occupation, and realizing our shared aspirations for a viable two-state solution.

According to him, it is in line with international law, supported by the General Assembly and the international community. According to him, the two-state solution is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace

"This will demand all parties to make difficult decisions. This will demand a bold and principled leadership in all parties," he stressed.

"I call on you to do everything you can to ensure the solutions of the Two Countries are realized, for the people of Israel, Palestine, and all mankind," he concluded.