The world must not lose sight of the only realistic basis for peace in the Middle East, which is a two-state solution, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres said.
“Even at this moment of great and imminent danger, we must not lose sight of the only realistic basis for true peace and stability – a two-state solution,” Guterres said.
He warned that fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip would be exhausted in a few days, which would be another disaster for the Palestinian territories.
Guterres pointed out that if there is no fuel, humanitarian aid cannot be delivered, hospitals will not have electricity, and drinking water cannot be purified or pumped.
”Thankfully, some humanitarian relief is finally getting into Gaza. But it is a drop of aid in an ocean of need. In addition, our UN fuel supplies in Gaza will run out in a matter of days. That would be another disaster. Without fuel, aid cannot be delivered, hospitals will not have power, and drinking water cannot be purified or even pumped. The people of Gaza need continuous aid delivery at a level that corresponds to the enormous needs. That aid must be delivered without restrictions. I salute our UN colleagues and humanitarian partners in Gaza working under hazardous conditions and risking their lives to provide aid to those in need. They are an inspiration. To ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer, and facilitate the release of hostages, I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” Guterres said.
Even in this moment of grave and immediate danger, we cannot lose sight of the only realistic foundation for a true peace and stability: a two-State solution, he added.
“Israelis must see their legitimate needs for security materialized, and Palestinians must see their legitimate aspirations for an independent State realized, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements. Finally, we must be clear on the principle of upholding human dignity. Polarization and dehumanization are being fueled by a tsunami of disinformation. We must stand up to the forces of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of hate,” Guterres concluded.
