UN Secretary-General: No alternative to a two-state solution for peace and security for Palestinians and the region
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed that there is no alternative to a two-state solution for achieving lasting peace and security for the Palestinians and the region as a whole, warning that the pressures and coercion faced by Palestinian families “raise the specter of ethnic cleansing.”
He made these remarks during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Guterres stressed that there is “only one credible path” to achieving lasting peace and security for both parties to the conflict, warning that the prerequisites for establishing an independent, democratic, geographically connected, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state are being “systematically undermined.”
He cautioned that demolition, eviction, displacement, land seizures, and violations of the status quo at holy sites are creating an environment in which pressures and coercion are escalating, forcing Palestinian families to leave their homes and lands and “raising the specter of ethnic cleansing.”
Guterres emphasized that advancing the “E1” settlement plan would deliver a “fatal blow” to the prospects of establishing a geographically connected and viable Palestinian state, calling for the full implementation of the peace plan for Gaza.
He stressed that promises of a better future for families surrounded by destruction and despair will remain “hollow” unless accompanied by tangible change on the ground. He underscored the necessity of continued political, economic, and regional integration between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under a single, legitimate, and sovereign Palestinian government.
He clarified that support for the two-state solution must be reflected in policies, decisions, and actions aimed at halting settlement expansion, supporting Palestinian institutions, and advancing a credible political process that ends the occupation and realizes the Palestinian right to self-determination.
He stated that the goal is two independent, democratic, and sovereign states living side by side in peace and security within safe and recognized borders, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both states, adding, “There is no alternative to this, and time is running out.”
