Guterres: There is no alternative to a two-state solution

He said that "demolitions, evictions, displacement, land seizures, and violations of the status quo in holy sites create an environment in which pressure and coercion factors increase, leading Palestinian families to leave their homes and lands, and raising the specter of ethnic cleansing", warning that proceeding with the "Plan (A1) settlement would deal a fatal blow to the prospects of establishing a geographically connected and viable Palestinian state".

Guterres called for the full implementation of the peace plan in Gaza, adding that for families "surrounded by destruction and despair, promises of a better future are empty unless accompanied by real change on the ground".

He stressed the need for political, economic, and regional integration between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under one legitimate, sovereign Palestinian government.

He said that support for a two-state solution should "not be limited to words", but should be reflected in policies, decisions, and actions that would stop settlement expansion, support Palestinian institutions, and advance a credible political process "aimed at ending the occupation and realizing the right of Palestinians to self-determination".