NextFin news, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, September 22, 2025, addressed a conference on the Middle East held in New York, convened by France and Saudi Arabia, where he emphasized that denying Palestinians statehood fuels extremism worldwide and obstructs peace efforts in the region.
Guterres stated, "We must recommit ourselves to the two-state solution before it is too late," underscoring that "Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward." He warned that without a two-state solution, "there will be no peace in the Middle East."
The UN chief reiterated his condemnation of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel but condemned the collective punishment of Palestinians as unjustifiable. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the enclave.
Guterres also criticized the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing it as a "creeping threat of annexation" amid rising settler violence. He expressed disappointment that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was denied a US visa to attend the meeting.
The Secretary-General welcomed recent moves by several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and France, to recognize Palestinian statehood. France formally recognized the state of Palestine on September 22, 2025, with President Emmanuel Macron calling it "the only solution" for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Guterres' remarks come amid heightened tensions following the 2023 conflict and ongoing international debates about the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The United States and Israel have suggested that recognizing Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas for its attacks, a position Guterres challenged by framing statehood as a fundamental right.
The conference and the Secretary-General's statements highlight the international community's divided stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the urgent calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
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