In regards to the Palestinian issue, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the two-state solution “is near a point of no return.”

The region is going through fundamental changes, characterized by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential, Guterres said Tuesday in remarks to the UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. He said that “truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question”—a two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both states.

According to him, “the political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been,” and the possibility of a two-State solution is “at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance” today.

According to Xinhua news agency, the UN chief stated that since Hamas’ terror attacks on October 7, 2023, it has gotten worse on all fronts: the ongoing conflict and destruction in Gaza, Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and settler violence that is still occurring at alarmingly high levels in an atmosphere of impunity.

“The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear,” Guterres said, emphasizing that political leaders must decide whether to intervene, remain quiet, or capitulate.

The UN chief emphasized that there must be no obstacles to humanitarian relief, especially via the crucial work of UNRWA, while expressing worry at remarks made by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tactic for military pressure.

“Every hostage must be released immediately and without conditions. A durable ceasefire is also necessary,” he said.

Guterres urged all parties to a conflict to adhere to all of their duties under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and urged UN member states to use their influence to guarantee that impunity does not prevail and that international law is upheld.

As an occupying force, Israel must guarantee the population’s access to food and medical supplies; it must consent to and enable relief efforts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and UN, medical, and humanitarian personnel must be respected and safeguarded, the UN chief noted.

He urged UN member states to take decisive steps toward enacting a two-State solution, emphasizing that the international community has a duty to stop the occupation and bloodshed.

The top UN official said that the June High-Level Conference, which is being co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a significant chance to revitalize international support. He called for increased and ongoing political and financial support for the Palestinian Authority and urged member states to go beyond affirmations and think creatively about the specific actions they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

“Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity,” the head of the UN said.