UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized today that “the categorical and repeated rejection of the two-state solution by the highest echelons of the Israeli government is unacceptable,” while appealing to Israel to allow more humanitarian aid to be delivered throughout the Gaza Strip.

“The denial of the Palestinian people’s right to statehood could prolong indefinitely a conflict that represents a significant threat to international peace and security,” the UN chief said, adding: “The Palestinian people’s right to statehood, independent state must be recognized by all. Any denial of the two-state solution by any side must be strongly rejected».

“The Israeli occupation must endi”, he interpreted Antonio Guterres, repeating his call for an “immediate ceasefire” on humanitarian grounds.

“The entire population of Gaza faces disaster“unprecedented in modern history, Guterres told the UN Security Council.

“Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people“, he underlined.

Antonio Guterres also told the Security Council that the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave is appalling and that “Gazans are not only at risk of being killed or injured by the relentless shelling, but are at increased risk of contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, dysentery and cholera.».