UN Chief Advocates for Palestinian Statehood as a Fundamental Right
UN Secretary-General's Call for Palestinian Statehood
On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that "statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward." Speaking to member nations at the UN Headquarters in New York, he reiterated the organization's commitment to a two-state solution as a means to resolve the enduring Israel-Gaza conflict.
Guterres pointed out that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for generations, with dialogue stalling and resolutions being ignored. He emphasized the UN's established stance on the two-state framework, advocating for two independent, sovereign, and democratic states—Israel and Palestine—to coexist peacefully and securely within recognized borders based on the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both, in accordance with international law and relevant agreements.
He remarked, "Statehood for a Palestinian is a right, not a reward, and denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. Without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East." In a separate message on social media, Guterres urged for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access in the region. He condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas, the taking of hostages, and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, as well as any form of ethnic cleansing.