NEW YORK – United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has issued a stark appeal for world leaders to take concrete and irreversible action to preserve a viable two‑state solution, warning that the only path to just and lasting peace is now ever more precarious.
Speaking at the high‑level UN General Assembly conference co‑hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, Guterres cautioned that the two‑state framework — Israel and Palestine living side‑by‑side in security and mutual recognition— is at risk of disappearing altogether unless decisive steps are taken now.
He condemned the creeping annexation of the West Bank and the wholesale destruction of Gaza, labelling both as illegal and intolerable actions that undermine any future for a two‑state arrangements. “Unilateral actions that would forever undermine the two‑State solution are unacceptable. They must stop,” he insisted.
Guterres also warned that extremist voices on all sides threaten the peace process. “Do not let extremists… undermine what remains of the peace process,” he told the UN Security Council in April, emphasizing that time is running out for diplomacy to prevail.
He urged governments to move beyond rhetorical support, and instead implement tangible initiatives—including funding the Palestinian Authority for institution-building, support for Gaza reconstruction, and preparing for a post-war political settlement in line with international law.
The conference comes as the U.S. and Israel boycotted the event, calling it “ill‑timed” and counterproductive. Yet roughly 120 countries participated, and France has announced plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.
India also reaffirmed its support at the UN, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only sustainable path—and urged the immediate release of hostages and adherence to humanitarian law.
As global leaders debate next steps, the UN chief stresses that only through coordinated political will and irreversible progress can the dream of two states survive—and peace be achieved.
