UN Pledges Support to the Palestinian People
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked at the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in New York on Wednesday.
More than 40 years ago, he said, the General Assembly established an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to resolve the Palestine conflict. Over the decades, he added, this has become one of the most intractable challenges for the international community, and we know only too well the tragic results.
Demolitions, illegal continued settlement expansion and construction, forced evictions and collective punitive measures will not bring peace. The same goes for violence and incitement, and similarly, unilateral steps will not resolve final status issues or the conflict.
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Only constructive negotiations, in good faith, and adhering to the long-established and agreed parameters for a two-State solution, will bring the desired, long-lasting solution.
“Containing the situation is not sufficient,” Guterres said. “I call on all actors, and first and foremost the leadership of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to take bold steps and restore faith in the promise of General Assembly resolution 181, of two States living side-by-side in peace and security.”
It will fulfill the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both States – East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian State.
It is the only way to achieve the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. It is the only option for a comprehensive and just peace, and I call on the international community to intensify its engagement and reiterate its commitment to assist Palestinians and Israelis in reaching the two-State solution, Guterres suggested.
