New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday criticized Israel's continued settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing them as "morally, legally, and politically intolerable." Guterres addressed the issue during an international conference on Palestine and the two-state solution, highlighting the protracted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the shortcomings of diplomacy and UN resolutions.
According to TRTworld.com, Guterres expressed gratitude to France and Saudi Arabia for organizing the event but voiced disappointment over the United States' decision to deny Palestinian officials full representation at this week's UN General Assembly by withholding visas. He reiterated that recognition of Palestine is the "only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace."
Palestine expressed approval of France's recognition of the Palestinian state, calling it a historic decision consistent with international law and UN resolutions. A statement from the Palestinian Foreign Ministry praised France and President Macron for their leadership in encouraging international recognition and supporting the two-state solution alongside Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, urged other countries to follow Western nations in recognizing a Palestinian state, emphasizing that such actions would significantly support efforts towards the two-state solution.