Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 3, 2026 Peace and security
The Middle East peace process has reached a crossroads, and 2026 could either bring the parties closer to a settlement or lead to a further deepening of the crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued this warning on Tuesday at the opening of the session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
He recalled that for decades the Committee has defended the fundamental rights of Palestinians, including the right to self-determination.
According to the head of the UN, adopted by the General Assembly last year New York Declaration offers a practical path to a two-state solution. However, the situation on the ground remains decisive.
Gaza: A fragile calm and a humanitarian crisis
The Secretary-General noted that despite the agreements reached in October, violence in Gaza continues.
"I call on all parties to fully implement the agreement, exercise maximum restraint and comply with international law and UN resolutions," Guterres said.
“I also call for rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid on the scale required, including through the Rafah crossing"," he added.
The UN chief emphasized that restrictions on the activities of humanitarian organizations only exacerbate the suffering of civilians. He also noted that a sustainable settlement is impossible without a recognized government governing the Palestinian territories.
West Bank: Settlements and Displacements
The Secretary-General expressed grave concern about the situation in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlement expansion continues, forced displacement, and the number of Palestinian home demolitions are on the rise. Particularly alarming are construction plans in the E1 area, which, if implemented, would sever the connection between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and deal "a serious blow to the viability of the two-state solution."
The UN chief recalled that, as the International Court had previously indicated, such actions are illegal.
Support UNRWA
Guterres reaffirmed the crucial role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in supporting Palestinians and strongly condemned actions against the agency, including demolition of the agency's building in East Jerusalem.
"UNRWA facilities are United Nations facilities. They are inviolable and immune from any form of interference," he stated.
The only way is two states
According to the UN chief, the Committee's work is a reminder that the international community must not lose sight of the goal of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The occupation must end, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. The inalienable rights of the Palestinian people must be realized. International law must be respected, and accountability ensured. The unity, territorial integrity, and contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory must be preserved," the Secretary-General stated.
Guterres emphasized that there is no alternative to a political solution: "There is only one viable path: a two-State solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions." Concluding his address, the Secretary-General called on Member States to take decisive and concerted action in support of this goal.
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