In a significant international development, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) united in a resounding call for a Two-State solution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. The UNSC convened an Open Debate on the Middle East, where diplomats from various nations expressed their concerns and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The Indian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, R Ravindra, underscored the growing impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on maritime commercial traffic in the Indian Ocean. He expressed deep concern about attacks in the vicinity of India, emphasizing that this situation directly affects India’s energy and economic interests. Ravindra emphasized the importance of preventing escalation, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and addressing the humanitarian crisis. India has been actively engaged in providing relief to the Palestinian people in Gaza and supporting the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Furthermore, India reiterated its steadfast support for a Two-State solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can live freely within secure borders. Ravindra emphasized the need for meaningful negotiations between both parties to achieve a lasting peace, calling on all parties to de-escalate, eschew violence, and create conditions for direct peace negotiations.
Uzra Zeya, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights of the United States, echoed the call for Israeli leaders to minimize civilian harm in line with international law. She emphasized the role of Hamas in unleashing the conflict and condemned attacks in the wider region by Iran and its proxies. Zeya stressed the importance of a strong Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing the need for a Two-State solution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that the refusal to accept a Two-State solution must be firmly rejected. He criticized recent Israeli leaders’ rejection of this solution as unacceptable, highlighting that a One-State solution would prolong the conflict and fail to address the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Riyad Al-Maliki, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, expressed his concerns about Israeli leaders’ view of the Palestinian people as a demographic threat. He emphasized the urgency of achieving a Two-State solution for coexistence.
Meanwhile, the Israeli representative urged the council to focus on addressing security threats in the Middle East, highlighting the continuous threat posed by Hamas. He warned against a ceasefire that could leave Hamas in power, putting Israelis at risk.
