Guterres Spoke on the Two-State Solution and Gaza Peace Plan

Guterres spoke at the "High-Level International Meeting on the Two-State Solution and Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan" held on the margins of the high-level participation week of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Recalling that many countries recognized the State of Palestine last year, Guterres said, "In doing so, you also accepted that the only reliable path to lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis is a two-state solution on the basis of pre-1967 borders, in line with international law, relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and previous agreements." he said.

Guterres underlined that this approach is of central importance for the peace of the wider region, and on the other hand, he emphasized that the conditions for the establishment of an independent, democratic, territorial integrity, viable and sovereign Palestinian State in the usurped Palestinian lands have been systematically eliminated.

Pointing out that policies and practices that amount to unlawful and invalid annexation are witnessed here, Guterres said, "Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are a clear violation of international law." he said.

Guterres pointed out that although nearly 10 years have passed since the adoption of UNSC resolution 2334, "settlements" are rapidly expanding, including the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

"Concerns about the possibility of ethnic cleansing are increasing"

Noting that demolitions, evacuations, displacements, land seizures and violations of the status quo in holy places create an increasingly oppressive environment, Guterres said, "These alienate Palestinian families from their homes and lands and increase concerns about the possibility of ethnic cleansing." he warned.

Guterres stated that advancing the E1 settlement plan would deal a heavy blow to the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian State with territorial integrity.

"Support must go beyond words"

UN Secretary-General said, "For families living in devastation and despair in Gaza, promises of a better future lose credibility unless they are supported by concrete change on the ground." made his assessment.

Underlining that the Peace Plan must be fully implemented, Guterres said, "For the Palestinians and everyone who cares about peace in the Middle East, support for the two-state solution should go beyond words." he said.

Noting that today, more than ever, policies need to be put forward through decisions and actions, Guterres said that action must be taken to advance a reliable political process.

"The goal is clear: Israel and Palestine, two independent, sovereign and democratic states living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders, based on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. There is no alternative and time is running out," Guterres said. He warned.