UN denounces Israeli parliament’s rejection of Palestinian state

Guterres urges return to two-state solution as essential for lasting peace

WASHINGTON:

The UN stated Thursday that a two-state solution cannot be dismissed in response to the Israeli parliament's resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed disappointment over the Israeli parliament’s (Knesset) decision to pass the measure, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

"It's clear you can't vote away the two-state solution," Dujarric told reporters.

On Thursday, Israel's parliament voted overwhelmingly against the creation of a Palestinian state, asserting that the Israeli parliament "firmly opposes the creation of a Palestinian state (on land) west of Jordan."

The resolution argued that "the creation of a Palestinian state in the heart of the land of Israel would constitute an existential danger for the state of Israel and its citizens, would perpetuate the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and destabilise the region."

It also claimed that promoting a Palestinian state would be "a reward for terrorism and would only encourage Hamas and its supporters" following the October 7 terror attacks.

The resolution passed with 68 votes in favor, while nine members of the Arab parties voted against it. The rest of the 120-member parliament either abstained or were absent from the session, which lasted until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Guterres reiterated his belief that ending the occupation and negotiating a two-state solution, with Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security, is the only viable path to sustainable peace. This solution includes secure and recognised borders based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

"The motion passed is clearly inconsistent with UN resolutions, international law, and prior agreements," Dujarric said. "Guterres once again calls on the Israelis and all sides to avoid actions that distance us further from the two-state solution."

The Palestinian Authority accused Israel's right-wing government of "plunging the region into an abyss" in response to the vote.

The vote came ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to Washington on Sunday to meet US President Joe Biden and address Congress.

The Knesset previously voted in February to unilaterally reject the recognition of a Palestinian state.