'Prospects of two-State solution more distant in Israeli-Palestinian conflict'

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the prospects of the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were becoming "more distant".

In a statement on Friday, the UN chief said that the "prospects for a viable two-state solution are growing more distant", pointing to a host of factors which continue to cause great misery, including the expansion of illegal settlements, a significant spike in the demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, violence and continued militant activity, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a message for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which falls on November 29, the Secretary-General noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has decimated the Palestinian economy and undermined the already fragile humanitarian, economic and political situation in Gaza, further entrenched by crippling restrictions on movement and access.

Guterres said that he remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict and end the occupation "in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements in pursuit of the vision of two states".

He also expressed his extreme concern over the financial situation facing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), appealing to all member states for urgent contributions to allow it to meet the critical humanitarian and development needs of Palestine refugees during the pandemic. (IANS)

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