Addressing the 193-member General Assembly on Tuesday, the head of the UN General Assembly reiterated the importance of the two-state solution and said it was the only path to lasting peace.
“After more than a year of war and suffering, realizing this vision is more important than ever.”
Philemon Young points out that the two-state solution proposed by the UN General Assembly 77 years ago, first proposed through Resolution 181, is still out of reach.
The General Assembly president said that denying Palestine the status of an independent state increases violence and frustration, while the two-state solution is a necessary political framework and a moral imperative.
“It guarantees the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and also protects Israel’s long-term security. “In this way, both parties will have the opportunity to live with equal rights and human dignity.”
The ceasefire in Lebanon is an important step
He welcomed the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where violent clashes have killed thousands and caused widespread destruction and displacement over the past year.
The head of the General Assembly commended the parties involved in the implementation of the agreement and called on all parties to abide by the ceasefire and Security Council resolution 1701.
“This ceasefire is an important step towards de-escalation of the conflict and a return to stability.”
Demand a cease-fire in Gaza
Expressing concern over the dire situation in Gaza, the President of the General Assembly said there is an urgent need for the implementation of a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
He expressed outrage that thousands of people have lost their lives in the violent conflict, the situation is dire, millions have been displaced and civilian facilities and infrastructure have been destroyed.
According to Philemon Young, the current conflict needs to end. “It’s in our hands and it can’t be delayed any longer.”
He called on all parties to allow the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to impoverished populations facing devastating situations.