UN Chief Calls for Urgent Two-State Solution at Paris Peace Conference
Paris, September 24, 2025 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address at the High-level International Conference for Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, urging immediate global action to implement the long-delayed Two-State solution.
Two-State Solution the Only Way Forward
Hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference focused on reviving peace talks and addressing escalating violence. Guterres described the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as “intolerable and deteriorating by the hour,” warning that no alternative exists other than two sovereign states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side within secure and recognized borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital.
“Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” the UN chief said, cautioning that denying it would fuel extremism and further isolate Israel internationally.
Condemnation of Violence in Gaza and October 7 Attacks
While condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks and hostage-taking, Guterres equally criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, citing widespread destruction, starvation, and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians — most of them women and children.
“Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people or any form of ethnic cleansing,” he said, demanding an immediate permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and safe humanitarian access.
Rising Tensions in the West Bank
The UN Secretary-General also voiced deep concern over the situation in the West Bank, pointing to the rapid expansion of settlements, threats of annexation, and increased settler violence. He warned these developments pose “an existential threat” to the Two-State solution.
“All of it must stop,” he stressed.
Global Unity Needed for Peace
Guterres welcomed pledges by member states to recognize Palestinian statehood and praised the UN General Assembly’s endorsement of the New York Declaration. He urged world leaders to seize the moment and prevent further escalation.
“What is the alternative? A one-State scenario where Palestinians are denied basic rights, expelled from their homes, and forced to live under perpetual occupation? This is neither peace nor justice,” he warned.
The Stakes for the Middle East and Beyond
The UN chief ended with a stark message: without a Two-State solution, “there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread around the world.”
