“Statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward”: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
At the United Nations headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful message to world leaders on Palestinian statehood. He made it clear that Palestinians deserve their own state as a fundamental right—not something they have to earn. This comes as the UN doubles down on its push for a two-state solution to end the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Guterres pointed out how talks have stalled and UN resolutions ignored for decades. He laid out the vision: two independent, democratic nations—Israel and Palestine—living peacefully side by side, with secure borders based on the pre-1967 lines. Jerusalem would serve as the capital for both, in line with international law and past agreements. “Denying statehood is a gift to extremists everywhere,” he warned. “Without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East.”
In a major development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France now formally recognizes the State of Palestine. Speaking at a New York summit on the two-state solution, Macron called it a historic step true to France’s commitment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He argued this move helps Israel live in security and deals a blow to Hamas. “We must do everything to keep the two-state solution alive,” Macron told the UN, as reported by CNN.
France’s decision follows quick announcements from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, who all recognized Palestine just a day earlier. These steps aim to ramp up global pressure on Israel during its military operations in Gaza. Canada led the way, with Australia and the UK close behind. They had promised this recognition if Israel didn’t agree to a ceasefire.
Over 140 countries already recognize Palestine, but the moves by France and the UK stand out since both are G7 members and UN Security Council powers. This wave of support ties directly to a UN General Assembly resolution passed on September 12. That vote, backed by 142 nations including India, endorsed the two-state solution under the title “Endorsement of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine.”
Palestinian officials celebrated the recognitions from Canada, the UK, and Australia. Their foreign ministry called it a vital shield for the two-state solution and a path to lasting peace. “We welcome these steps as protection for peace efforts,” they stated.
Israel, however, pushed back hard. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a strong response after his U.S. trip next week. In a video message, he slammed the recognitions as a “huge reward to terror” following the October 7 attacks. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan,” he declared, vowing to keep expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank—areas he calls Judea and Samaria. His coalition allies are even calling for annexing parts of the West Bank, like the Jordan Valley.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry echoed the rejection, insisting Palestinian statehood should only come as part of final peace talks. They accused the Palestinian Authority of fueling incitement and not fighting terrorism enough, calling it “part of the problem.” The ministry urged countries to instead pressure Hamas to release hostages and disarm right away. “Political gestures for votes only hurt the Middle East,” they added, dismissing any borders that would leave Israel vulnerable.
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