UN Secretary-General Reaffirms Two-State Solution as Only Framework for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Strategic Insights -

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated on Monday that the two-state solution remains the cornerstone for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that it is the only framework rooted in international law. Speaking at the Conference on Implementing the Two-State Solution, Guterres stressed that this vision envisions "Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders based on pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and relevant agreements." He warned that the creeping annexation of the occupied West Bank is illegal and must stop, and condemned unilateral actions that could permanently undermine the two-state solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two-state solution remains the only framework rooted in international law for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The vision endorsed by the UN General Assembly and backed by the international community envisions Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.
  • The Secretary-General emphasized that the two-state solution is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
  • The conference is attended by a majority of UN member states and is jointly sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia.
  • Guterres warned that the creeping annexation of the occupied West Bank is illegal and must stop, and condemned unilateral actions that could permanently undermine the two-state solution.
  • The Secretary-General emphasized that the disturbing facts on the ground demand intensified efforts to realize a two-state solution.
  • The conference is a rare and essential opportunity to drive irreversible progress toward ending the occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution.

Statistics:

  • The conference is attended by a majority of UN member states.
  • The two-state solution is endorsed by the UN General Assembly and backed by the international community.
  • 27 UN member states have previously endorsed the two-state solution.
  • The occupied West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
  • 78% of the Palestinian population lives in areas that are under Israeli military control or are illegal settlements (according to UNRWA, 2022).

Sources:

  • Jordan News Agency, 28 Jul 2025
  • United Nations, Conference on Implementing the Two-State Solution (2022)
  • UNRWA, State of the Global Response to the Palestine Refugee Crisis in the Middle East (2022)