United Nations, Sep 24 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding the diminishing feasibility of a two-state solution, stating that it is currently at its most critical point in over a generation.

During a high-level meeting at the UN Security Council addressing the Palestinian situation, Guterres pointed out the unrelenting expansion of settlements, de facto annexation, and forced displacement as key indicators of this decline, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

He stated, “Cycles of deadly violence, including actions by extremist settlers, have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation and brought us alarmingly close to a point of no return.”

The recent approval from Israel for construction in the E1 area is particularly concerning. Guterres warned that if carried out, it would divide the occupied West Bank, undermining the territorial integrity necessary for a Palestinian state. He emphasized, “Israeli settlements are not merely a political issue; they constitute a blatant violation of international law.”

Guterres praised France and Saudi Arabia for reviving the high-level international conference aimed at implementing the two-state solution on Monday and welcomed the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by numerous countries.

He urged member states to capitalize on the momentum generated by this international conference.

The future of Gaza must be grounded in international law, reject any form of ethnic cleansing, and establish a clear political path toward a viable two-state solution, he asserted, stressing the urgent need to reverse harmful trends on the ground.

Guterres called for an end to relentless settlement expansion and violence, as well as the imminent threat of annexation. He advocated for adherence to the International Court of Justice's calls for Israel to halt settlement activities and terminate its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, stating, “The illegal occupation must come to an end.”

He concluded by emphasizing that a just and lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence. “It requires a collective commitment to diplomacy, international law, and the dignity of all people,” he said. “There are actions that the Security Council must undertake, and responsibilities each member must uphold. We cannot afford to let this fragile moment slip away.”