RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must not be allowed to disappear, as he expressed concern over the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Guterres spoke on Tuesday during his address at the opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The UN chief condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas before turning to the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
He described the level of killing and destruction in Gaza as unlike anything he had witnessed during his years as UN Secretary-General.
Guterres also referred to provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the case brought under the Genocide Convention concerning Gaza, stressing that all parties must comply with international law and the court’s orders.
He said the United Nations must be allowed to carry out its mandates in Gaza, while UN personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected.
Turning to the occupied West Bank, Guterres warned that violence, displacement and continued Israeli settlement expansion were undermining prospects for peace.
“We cannot allow the two-State solution to disappear before our eyes,” Guterres said.
He called for an end to fighting across the region, greater humanitarian access and renewed efforts towards dialogue and de-escalation.
Guterres’ remarks formed part of a broader address in which he warned world leaders about widening geopolitical divisions, conflicts and growing pressure on the international system.
