New York: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the UN General Assembly, reaffirmed that “statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” emphasizing the international body’s continued support for a two-state solution to the long-standing Israel-Gaza conflict.
“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been unresolved for generations. Dialogue has faltered, resolutions have been ignored,” Guterres said. He stressed the UN’s position on a two-state framework, stating: “A two-state solution envisions Israel and Palestine as independent, sovereign, democratic states living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders based on the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and other relevant agreements.”
“Statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward. Denying it fuels extremism worldwide. Without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East,” he added.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron formally recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest Western leader to do so ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. This follows similar announcements by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, all aimed at increasing international pressure on Israel amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza.
“The time has come. True to France’s historic commitment to peace in the Middle East, I declare today that France recognizes the State of Palestine,” Macron said at a summit on the two-state solution in New York. He described the move as a “defeat for Hamas” and stressed that recognition of Palestine is “the only solution that will allow Israel to live in peace.”
More than 140 countries have already recognized Palestine. Recognition by the UK and France is particularly notable, as both are members of the G7 and the UN Security Council.
On September 12, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution endorsing a two-state solution, with 142 nations, including India, voting in favor. This came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the recognition by Canada, the UK, and Australia, calling it a “protection of the two-state solution aimed at achieving peace.”
Israel, however, has strongly rejected these moves. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that recognition of a Palestinian state is “a huge reward to terror” and reaffirmed that “a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that statehood must remain a final-status issue linked to peace, criticizing the Palestinian Authority for failing to prevent incitement and terrorism.
“Political gestures aimed at domestic audiences harm the Middle East rather than help it. Countries supporting such recognition should instead focus on pressuring Hamas to release hostages and disarm immediately,” the ministry said.
