Ammon News - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Wednesday that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains the crisis at the heart of the broader regional instability, stressing that ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution is the only credible path toward lasting peace.

Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on “Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Sustainable Peace,” Guterres underscored the need for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security within secure and internationally recognized borders.

He warned that “delay and denial only perpetuate injustice,” noting that conditions in the occupied Palestinian Territory are deteriorating at an alarming pace.

Despite the ceasefire announced eight months ago, Guterres said Gaza continues to endure profound uncertainty and immense human suffering, with civilians being killed daily, humanitarian operations facing ongoing restrictions, and essential needs remaining unmet.

The UN chief called for the full implementation of the comprehensive plan facilitated by the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, emphasizing that humanitarian aid must never be used as a bargaining chip and reaffirming that Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the Palestinian state.

He further cautioned that the Middle East is sliding deeper and deeper into crisis, warning of the growing risk of a broader regional confrontation and a full resumption of hostilities.

Guterres added that the consequences of the worsening situation extend well beyond the region, fueling political tensions, displacement, insecurity, disruptions to global trade routes, and rising food and energy prices worldwide.

WAFA