UN Chief Warns of “Difficult Reality” That Could Destroy Mideast Peace Hopes

New York, MINA – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the two-state solution is the only way for peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, but warned of a “difficult reality” that could likely destroy these aspirations.

“Over many decades, the international community has encouraged a negotiated process leading to a two-state solution,” KUNA quoted Giterres as telling a UN committee discussion of the inalienable rights of Palestinians.

“And I have always said that I would like to see a Palestinian state and an Israeli state, both with capital in Jerusalem.”

However, he said, “negative trends on the ground have the potential to create an irreversible one-state reality that is incompatible with realizing the legitimate national, historic and democratic aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.”

He cited Israel’s ongoing settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is illegal under UN resolutions and international law, as an example, underlining that this “must be halted and reversed.”

The UN estimates that Gaza will become “unliveable” by 2020 unless basic services and infrastructure are improved, and the UN chief expressed concern at the recent halt of US funding to UNRWA.

This would “gravely impair” the UN Palestinian refugee agency’s ability to conduct its role, he said.

“Two million Palestinians are struggling everyday with crumbling infrastructure, an electricity crisis, a lack of basic services, chronic unemployment and a paralyzed economy. All of this is taking place amid an unfolding environmental disaster,” said Guterres.

On this, he urged the international community to cover the funding gap, saying the stability and dignity of around five million Palestine refugees across the Middle East depend on it. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)