NEW YORK, Thursday, February 04, 2021 (WAFA) – Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said today that the ongoing Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories pose a major obstacle to achieving peace based on a two-state solution.
"I reiterate my call on the Government of Israel to immediately halt all settlement activity, which is a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace," Guterres said at the 2021 Opening Session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
The UN chief reiterated that the core duty of the Committee is "to end the occupation and realize a two-State solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and bilateral agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States."
Guterres hailed President Mahmoud Abbas's call for an international peace conference under the auspices of the United Nations and an expanded Middle East Quartet, saying the call provides a positive opportunity to advance peace in the region.
Meanwhile, he called "on the parties to refrain from unilateral acts that can jeopardize the possibility of restarting the peace process."
Guterres also welcomed the Presidential decree issued by President Mahmoud Abbas to hold legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections this year.
"The holding of elections in the occupied West Bank – including East Jerusalem and Gaza – will be a crucial step towards Palestinian unity," said the UN chief. "It will give renewed legitimacy to national institutions, including a democratically elected Parliament and Government in Palestine."
He pointed out that elections are a vital part of building a democratic Palestinian State founded on the rule of law with equal rights for all.
On the coronavirus pandemic, Guterres said the pandemic "has had a severe impact on the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza."
"The public health system has been pushed to the brink due to the occupation and the fragile socio-economic, humanitarian, and political situation."
He underscored that the United Nations and its partners will support the Palestinian Government's work to control the spread of the pandemic.
"The Special Coordinator continues to encourage Israel to help address the priority needs of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – and to support COVID-19 vaccine availability more generally, which is in line with Israel’s obligations under international law," he added.
The UN chief also commended the Committee's "efforts to mobilize support for UNRWA in a way that is sustainable, predictable, and long-term – as Palestinian refugees need and deserve."
M.N
