Commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the
Palestinian People, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged
Israeli and Palestinian leaders to explore every opening to
“restore hope” for a two-State solution.
In a message, the UN chief cautioned that prospects for a viable
two-State solution are becoming “more distant”.
“A host of factors continue to cause great misery, including: the
expansion of illegal settlements, a significant spike in the
demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, violence and
continued militant activity,” said Mr. Guterres.
“Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility to explore
every opening to restore hope and achieve a two-State solution.”
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
is observed each year on 29 November. Established in 1977, it
marks the day in 1947 when the UN General Assembly adopted a
resolution partitioning Palestine into an Arab State and a Jewish
State.
Committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis
The Secretary-General said that he remains committed to
supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and
end the occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions,
international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the
vision of two States – Israel and an independent, democratic,
contiguous and sovereign Palestine – living side by side in peace
and security, within secure and recognized borders, on the basis
of the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both
States.
“I hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and
Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the
support of the international community, and will create
opportunities for regional cooperation,” he said.
“Let us together resolve to renew our commitment to the
Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable
rights and build a future of peace, dignity, justice and
security,” added the Secretary-General.
In the message, Mr. Guterres also extended his condolences on the
passing, earlier this month, of Saeb Erakat, Palestine Liberation
Organization (PLO) Secretary-General and Chief Negotiator for
Palestinians in the Middle East Peace Process.
Financial situation of UNRWA
Mr. Guterres also voiced concerns over the financial situation
facing the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the Near East (UNRWA), which provides direct and often
life-saving assistance to millions of Palestine refugees.
“I appeal to all Member States to urgently contribute to enable
UNRWA to meet the critical humanitarian and development needs of
Palestine refugees during the pandemic,” urged the
Secretary-General.
