{"id":306082,"date":"2025-02-25T15:21:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T20:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=306082"},"modified":"2025-03-17T10:35:35","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T14:35:35","slug":"last-chance-to-achieve-two-state-solution-un-mediator-tells-security-council-as-speakers-highlight-need-to-sustain-gaza-ceasefire-press-release","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/last-chance-to-achieve-two-state-solution-un-mediator-tells-security-council-as-speakers-highlight-need-to-sustain-gaza-ceasefire-press-release\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Last Chance\u2019 to Achieve Two-State Solution, ±¬ÁÏÍø Mediator Tells Security Council, as Speakers Highlight Need to Sustain Gaza Ceasefire – Press release"},"content":{"rendered":"
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9868th Meeting (AM)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SC\/16007<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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25 February 2025<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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This may be \u201cthe last chance\u201d to achieve a two-State solution\u00a0\u2014 the creation of independent Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully side by side \u2014 a United Nations mediator told the Security Council today, as it considered the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the first phase of which is set to expire on 1\u00a0March.<\/p>\n

While welcoming the implementation of this initial phase, including the release of 34\u00a0hostages, Sigrid Kaag, ±¬ÁÏÍø Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, added: \u00a0\u201cNone of us will forget the harrowing pictures of the coffins of the Bibas children taken hostage with their mother and killed while in captivity.\u201d\u00a0Condemning Hamas\u2019 public parading of hostages, she also noted the release of 1,135\u00a0Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and reports of the ill treatment and humiliation they experienced.<\/p>\n

In Gaza, far more remains to be done to address over 15\u00a0months of deprivation of basic human necessities and \u201cabove all, a loss of human dignity\u201d, she said, while noting some improvements in humanitarian aid access. \u00a0\u201cPalestinians must be able to resume their lives, to rebuild and to construct their future in Gaza,\u201d she stressed, adding that there can be no question of forced displacement.\u00a0 Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State, and the Strip must be unified with the West Bank including East Jerusalem, \u201cpolitically, economically and administratively\u201d, she said, calling on the Council to ensure continued support for the full realization of the ceasefire deal, urgent de-escalation in West Bank and support for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction \u2014 which would cost $53\u00a0billion.<\/p>\n

Also briefing the Council today was Daniel Levy, President of the US\/Middle East Project, who stressed that Israelis and Palestinians both deserve security, while acknowledging the \u201cpower asymmetry\u201d between a colonizing State and a colonized people. \u00a0Recalling the Israeli ambassador\u2019s \u201cgimmick\u201d of shredding the ±¬ÁÏÍø Charter at the General Assembly podium, he said:\u00a0 \u201cWhen a State like Israel conducts itself in ways that render the Charter meaningless and which assault [international] conventions, including on genocide [\u2026] then that is a challenge that cannot be allowed to pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calling for a full ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages and a surge in humanitarian assistance, he cautioned: \u00a0\u201cThere is good reason to fear that this could collapse.\u201d \u00a0In that vein, he warned against the attempt to permanently depopulate the north of Gaza, adding: \u00a0\u201cHamas non-governance in Gaza is achievable, the movement itself has said so.\u201d \u00a0But, there will be resistance if the structural violence of occupation and apartheid continue. \u00a0He also cautioned against zero-sum thinking, also stressing that the unlawful forced displacement of Palestinians must not be endorsed or encouraged by any State, let alone, one of the permanent five.<\/p>\n

Testimony from Ex-Hostage<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cI was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on 7\u00a0October\u00a02023 from the Nova music festival with my partner,\u201d recalled Noa Argamani, who also addressed the Council today.\u00a0 She added that she was taken by force into Gaza and \u201cheld in total fear, living in a nightmare\u201d.\u00a0 Noting that she was rescued by Israeli soldiers after eight months in captivity, she said:\u00a0 \u201cBeing here today is a miracle, but I\u2019m here today to tell you we have no time.\u201d\u00a0There are still 63\u00a0hostages in captivity\u00a0\u2014\u00a024\u00a0believed to still be alive \u2014 \u201cthe [ceasefire] deal must go on, in full\u201d, she urged.<\/p>\n

Recalling that her captors murdered her friend, she underscored: \u00a0\u201cEvery second in captivity is dangerous.\u201d\u00a0 The Council must \u201cnot let the darkness take over\u201d, she warned, stating that she came to the Council so that the international community understands that \u201cthe hostages are in hell\u201d and deserve to return home immediately.<\/p>\n

Determined to Eradicate Hamas<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u201cThis is the story of every hostage and every family shattered by Hamas\u2019 terror,\u201d said Israel\u2019s delegate, urging the Council to adopt a resolution condemning the group\u00a0\u2014 a move he argued the 15-member organ\u00a0could have taken 16\u00a0months ago. \u00a0Stressing that the tragedy will not end \u201cuntil each one of them is back home\u201d, he continued:\u00a0\u201cThe question now is whether this Council will help write that ending, or continue to look away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what happens, our commitment to freeing all the hostages and completely eradicating Hamas is unshakeable,\u201d he underscored.\u00a0Turning to the humanitarian situation, he pointed to thousands of trucks entering Gaza every week to deliver aid and stressed:\u00a0 \u201cThe only starved people in Gaza are the hostages.\u201d\u00a0 He added that \u201cit is time to think beyond the frameworks of the past and build a new reality\u00a0\u2014\u00a0one where terrorists do not hold entire communities hostage and where life is sacred once more\u201d.<\/p>\n

Recordings of Gunfire at Family\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said while \u201cnothing justifies\u201d what happened to the Bibas family, Palestinian children are \u201cnot any less deserving of your outrage for their killing\u201d. \u00a0He went on to play recordings of the calls made to emergency services by 15-year-old Layan Hamadeh and her 6-year-old cousin Hind Rajab \u2014 both found dead later \u2014 after their family members were shot dead while evacuating Gaza City by car.\u00a0He also remembered the Palestinian parents who had to collect \u201cwhat remained of their children\u2019s bodies in plastic bags\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see the images of our released prisoners, often starved, with marks and scars on their bodies?\u201d, he asked, noting that Israel subjects them to beatings and humiliating treatments. \u00a0\u201cHow many hostages were released by military actions and how many hundreds of Palestinians have perished in these military attacks that were supposed to rescue the hostages but led to the death of many of them?\u201d, he asked, adding: \u00a0\u201cCeasefire works.\u201d \u00a0The next few days is a test of Israel\u2019s true priorities, he said.<\/p>\n

Support for Ceasefire\u2019s Second Phase<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Council members stressed the need to uphold the ceasefire and reach an agreement on the second phase, which aims to establish a permanent truce.\u00a0 Under this phase, Israel would fully withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for additional detainees.<\/p>\n

The representative of Sierra Leone, voiced a \u201crenewed sense of relief and optimism\u201d despite \u201cthe uncertainty that still looms\u201d.\u00a0 The representative of the Republic of Korea noted that the agreement shows \u201cwhat firm political will can bring to the region\u201d as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners reunite with their families. \u00a0The ceasefire is also saving lives, Denmark\u2019s delegate said, adding that it is vital that it moves to its second phase. \u00a0Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, added that the ceasefire will \u201callow planning for a more prosperous and secure \u2018day after\u2019 for the whole region\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of France said that his country has deployed specialized personnel within the framework of the European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point to support the ceasefire.\u00a0 He also noted that his country and Saudi Arabia will co-chair an international conference for the implementation of a two-State solution in June.<\/p>\n

The Russian Federation\u2019s delegate expressed concern about the \u201copaque monitoring mechanism\u201d, highlighting accusations from both sides about the other side\u2019s bad faith in the implementation of individual steps. \u00a0Somalia\u2019s delegate said that the continued attacks, illegal arrests, settlement-expansion and excessive use of force \u201cundermine the spirit of the ceasefire deal\u201d and that \u201cmediation efforts will not succeed if the aggression continues unchecked\u201d. \u00a0If the ceasefire fails, Panama\u2019s delegate warned, \u201cthen the human toll will be incalculable and prospects for regional peace and stability will fade further\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed improved aid supplies since the ceasefire agreement as having \u201cdemonstrated the central role of the ±¬ÁÏÍø and humanitarian actors, including ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]\u201d.\u00a0 She also expressed concern over tightening humanitarian space, as well as the expansion of Israel\u2019s operations killing and displacing civilians in the West Bank.<\/p>\n

Gaza\u2019s Future without Hamas<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The representative of the United States expressed support for Israel’s \u201csovereign decision\u201d to close ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA offices in Jerusalem, adding: \u00a0\u201c±¬ÁÏÍøRWA is not and never has been the only option for providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza\u201d. \u00a0Her country stands with all hostages, she said, adding that the desecration of the remains of Shiri Bibas shows \u201cthe depth of Hamas\u2019s cruelty\u201d. \u00a0President Donald J. Trump has made clear that the future of Gaza must look different, she said, adding that Hamas must be fully removed from power and held accountable for its 7\u00a0October\u00a02023 terrorist massacre.<\/p>\n

Save West Bank from Becoming Next Gaza<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Other speakers, however, highlighted the impact of Israel\u2019s occupation of Palestinian territories, and the escalation of settlements and violence in the West Bank. \u00a0\u201cIsrael is not trying to return to calm,\u201d said Kuwait\u2019s delegate, speaking for the Arab Group. \u00a0Asking the Council if it is waiting for a repeat of the Gaza tragedy, he called on the international community to help end the occupying Power\u2019s aggression in the West Bank and its attacks on Christian and Muslim holy sites in the Aqsa Mosque compound.<\/p>\n

Algeria\u2019s delegate drew attention to the Israeli Finance Minister\u2019s declaration that the \u201cgoal for\u00a02025 is to demolish more than what Palestinian are building in the West Bank\u201d. \u00a0Stressing the need to support ±¬ÁÏÍøRWA and empower the Palestinian Authority, he added that weakening the Authority is a deliberate strategy by the Israeli occupying Power which dreams \u201cof a land free of Palestinians\u201d, from the river to the sea. \u00a0Five newborn babies froze to death yesterday in a hospital in Gaza City, he noted, adding \u201cwe have no more time to waste\u201d.\u00a0 The ceasefire agreement should serve as a foundation for a durable peace plan.<\/p>\n

Slovenia\u2019s delegate stressed:\u00a0 \u201cGaza belongs to Gazans and it is an integral part of the Palestinian State.\u201d\u00a0 Pointing to the \u201cmany more steps\u201d needed for lasting peace to persist in the Middle East, he observed:\u00a0 \u201cWhile peace seems to be a big word, it essentially boils down to everyday decisions to work for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cumulative effect of Israel\u2019s violent occupation of Palestinian territories has entrapped the Palestinian people in a cycle of violence and poverty,\u201d Guyana\u2019s delegate noted.\u00a0 Pakistan\u2019s representative pointed to the forcible displacement, military raids, settler violence and illegal land annexations Israel is conducting, describing these as \u201cethnic cleansing in real time\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, urged the international community to support the parties in moving ahead with negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire and called on Israel to cease its military and settler activity in the West Bank, underscoring:\u00a0 \u201cThe West Bank must not become the next Gaza.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9868th Meeting (AM) SC\/16007 25 February 2025 This may be \u201cthe last chance\u201d to achieve a two-State solution\u00a0\u2014 the creation of independent Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully side by side \u2014 a United Nations mediator told the Security Council today, as it considered the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the first phase of which […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":301,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[1329],"document-source":[1362,6169,1877,6777],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,2265,2005,6848,5200,2613,6881,1797,2137,6866,2117,6771,6251],"entity":[],"document-language":[],"class_list":["post-306082","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-press-release","document-source-security-council","document-source-united-nations-department-of-global-communications","document-source-united-nations-special-coordinator-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-unsco","document-source-us-middle-east-project","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-ceasefire","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-hostages","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-internally-displaced-persons","document-subject-occupied-palestinian-territory","document-subject-peace-process","document-subject-settlements","document-subject-settler-violence","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-two-state-solution","document-subject-west-bank"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/306082","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/301"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/306082\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":306104,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/306082\/revisions\/306104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=306082"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=306082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}