In a strong rebuke of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Palestine, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the country for hindering the possibility of a two-state solution. The increasing tensions in the region have sparked worries about the chances for peace, as violence and turmoil continue to affect both sides. Guterres’ comments highlight the pressing need for a diplomatic resolution to the enduring conflict, as the global community seeks ways to reduce tensions and facilitate a sustainable peace agreement.
Israel’s activities in the occupied West Bank are jeopardizing any potential for a two-state solution with the Palestinians, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Through administrative measures and strategic actions, Israel is altering the landscape of the West Bank, as highlighted in a statement delivered by Guterres’ chief of staff, Courtenay Rattray, during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The expansion of settlements is expected to accelerate due to significant land seizures in crucial areas and modifications to planning, land management, and governance, as mentioned by Guterres. The UN chief emphasized that recent developments are eroding the foundation for a two-state solution.
Incidents of Israeli military operations, arrests of Palestinians, and settler violence have surged in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem following Israel’s offensive in Gaza since October. Guterres pointed out that Israel has taken punitive actions against the Palestinian Authority and legalized five Israeli outposts in the West Bank, a practice that has been ongoing since the occupation began in 1967. Urging a change in direction, Guterres called for an immediate halt to all settlement activities in the region.
Additionally, the UN chief reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and the release of all hostages. The toll of casualties in Israel’s assault on Gaza since October 7 stands at least 38,794 killed and 89,364 injured. The death toll in Israel from the attacks led by Hamas on October 7 is estimated at 1,139, with numerous individuals still held captive in Gaza. Guterres expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling it as a significant blemish on the international community.
Meeting Disrupted by Protest
During the quarterly session on the Middle East at the UN, the focus was on Israel’s offensive in Gaza and the humanitarian emergency in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, described the situation in Gaza as the most extensively documented genocide in history, questioning when the world would condemn the atrocities and cease tolerating their repetition. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, accused Hamas of committing crimes against humanity and highlighted the captivity of Israelis by Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
A brief disruption occurred during the meeting when two women in black attire displayed signs and demanded the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian factions in Gaza after Erdan’s speech. UN security personnel intervened, escorting the women out of the chamber. This incident coincided with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s address to the 15-member council, who presided over the meeting as Russia held the presidency for July. Lavrov responded to the disruption, urging clarity in communication and acknowledging the rarity of protests within the UN headquarters in New York City.
