Israel-Palestine crisis: Two-State solution the only path to a just, lasting peace, says Antonio Guterres

Secretary-General António Guterres underscored on Wednesday (January 31, 2024) the crucial function of the UN committee on the rights of Palestinians in the face of the ongoing and escalating struggle in Gaza, stressing that only a two-State solution can guarantee a simply and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East area.

Addressing the annual session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the UN chief voiced deep concern over the violence and struggling that has intensified, significantly since the October 7 assault by Hamas and different militants primarily based in Gaza and the subsequent navy offensive by Israel.

“The loss of life, destruction, displacement, starvation, loss, and grief in Gaza over the previous 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and conscience,” he stated.

The relentless bombardment by Israeli forces throughout Gaza resulted in civilian deaths and destruction “at a tempo and scale not like something we have now witnessed lately,” he added.

Over 26,750 Palestinians, predominantly ladies and kids, have been reportedly killed in the enclave and over 70 per cent of civilian infrastructure severely broken or destroyed. Across the Strip, over 1.7 million individuals have been displaced, not figuring out if they may have houses to return to.

UNRWA – ‘spine’ of assist in Gaza

Expressing alarm over the collapsing humanitarian system in the Gaza Strip, the Secretary-General referred to as for fast, secure, and sustained humanitarian entry, significantly in the north the place entry has been denied. He appealed for a direct humanitarian ceasefire and cooperation with UN actors on the floor.

He highlighted that the Organization has acted promptly on the very critical allegations that a number of UNRWA workers have been concerned in the 7 October assaults, with its highest investigative physique having began an investigation.

“I used to be personally horrified by these accusations,” he stated, including that he additionally met with the company’s donors on Tuesday, “to hear to their issues and to define the steps we’re taking to tackle them.”

He underscored the significance of protecting UNRWA’s very important work going to meet the dire wants of civilians in Gaza, and to guarantee its continuity of providers to Palestine refugees in the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

“UNRWA is the spine of all humanitarian response in Gaza,” he stated.

Violence in occupied West Bank

Turning consideration to the occupied West Bank, Guterres expressed concern over settler violence and Palestinian assaults, in addition to hostilities throughout the Blue Line which separates Israeli and Lebanese armed forces, and assaults in Syria, Iraq and the Red Sea.

“I name for pressing steps to de-escalate the state of affairs and spare the area from extra violence earlier than it’s too late,” he urged.

In a last plea, the Secretary-General burdened the want for tangible progress in the direction of a two-State solution primarily based on 1967 traces, with Jerusalem as the capital of each States, consistent with UN resolutions and worldwide legislation.

“The worldwide neighborhood should not waver in its dedication. Let us work collectively to advance a significant peace course of that may put an finish to the tragic cycles of concern, hatred and violence and construct a extra peaceable and hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis.”

The Committee

The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is remitted by the UN General Assembly to promote the rights of the Palestinian individuals, elevate public consciousness and mobilize help to the Palestinian individuals.

It consists of 25 UN Member States, and has 24 observers, together with the State of Palestine.

The present chair of the Committee is Cheikh Niang of Senegal.