Middle East Conflict in a precarious state: Guterres warns of imminent collapse
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has sounded the alarm on the viability of the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that it is "further away than ever." He made these remarks at the opening of a conference in New York, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at realizing the two-state solution in the Middle East.
Guterres highlighted several key obstacles that are threatening the two-state solution. These include the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, recent legislative moves to annex parts of this territory, and the overall erosion of political will and courageous leadership on all sides.
The Secretary-General also condemned the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks by Hamas, which resulted in hostages being taken and the ensuing Israeli military response leading to destruction and starvation in Gaza. He stressed that neither violence nor destruction can be justified.
Guterres addressed Israel directly, stating that the creeping annexation of the occupied West Bank is illegal and must stop. He also emphasized that the comprehensive destruction of the Gaza Strip is intolerable and must cease.
The conference is seen as a rare opportunity to press for "bold and principled leadership" and to reverse this "breaking point," but global political dynamics, including the absence of Israel and its closest ally, the United States, from the recent UN conference, create further political obstacles.
France announced last week it would recognize Palestine as a state, adding impetus to the conference. However, with no progress expected at the meeting amid escalation in the Middle East, it is unclear when the two-state solution might become achievable.
Despite the challenges, Guterres views peace in the Middle East as distant but not impossible. He stresses that while the two-state solution remains the only credible and internationally endorsed framework for peace, it is "farther than ever before" without urgent, courageous leadership and truthful engagement from all parties involved.
The European Union, as a major player in the world of information and communication technology, could use its influence to promote diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, by providing a platform for discussing the Israeli-Palestine conflict and the fate of the two-state solution. In the face of war-and-conflicts and politics that threaten the peace process, accurate and timely reporting of general news on the situation can help raise awareness and pressure for bold and principled leadership to resolve the conflict.
