New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday criticized Israel’s ongoing settlements in the occupied West Bank, labeling them as “morally, legally, and politically intolerable.” Speaking at an international conference on Palestine and the two-state solution, Guterres highlighted the failure of diplomacy and UN resolutions to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he noted has persisted for generations.
According to TRTworld.com, Guterres expressed gratitude to France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the event and voiced his “disappointment” over the United States’ decision to deny Palestinian officials full representation at the week’s UN General Assembly and related events, specifically referring to the denial of visas.
Guterres reiterated that recognition of the Palestinian state represents “the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace.” He also acknowledged recent announcements of recognition from several nations, including Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and San Marino. This recognition, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, “paves the way for useful negotiations” and is beneficial for both Israelis and Palestinians in pursuing “a peace and security plan for all.”
The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, serves as a follow-up to a similar gathering held in July. In response, Palestine welcomed France’s recognition of the Palestinian state, describing it as a historic and courageous decision that aligns with international law and UN resolutions. A statement from the Palestinian Foreign Ministry emphasized France’s contribution to achieving peace and implementing the two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan echoed this sentiment by urging other countries to follow the example of several Western nations and recognize a Palestinian state. He emphasized that such a step would significantly support efforts toward implementing the two-state solution.