An-Najah News - Commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he remains committed to resolving the end of the Israeli occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions with prospects for a viable two-State solution are becoming “more distant,” urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to explore every opening to “restore hope” for that solution.

Guterres said, “A host of factors continue to cause great misery, including the expansion of illegal settlements, a significant spike in the demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, violence and continued militant activity,”.

“I hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, and will create opportunities for regional cooperation,” he said.

The UN chief said that he remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the vision of two States  Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and sovereign Palestine living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

“Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a responsibility to explore every opening to restore hope and achieve a two-State solution.”

 The Secretary-General added “Let us together resolve to renew our commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, dignity, justice, and security,”