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Guterres calls for Jerusalem as capital of both Israel, Palestine
Published : Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Observer Online Desk
Collected Photo
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday (September 22), Guterres warned that the expansion of Israeli settlements and moves toward annexation in the occupied West Bank are putting the two-state solution at serious risk.
The meeting, titled “The Road Ahead,” was hosted by Canada, France, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom and focused on the two-state solution and a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza.
Guterres said the conditions necessary for an independent, democratic, geographically contiguous, viable and sovereign Palestinian state are being “systematically eroded.”
He pointed to the expansion of Israeli settlements, establishment of new settlements and settler violence in the occupied West Bank as factors worsening the situation. He also referred to attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.
According to Guterres, the only credible path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and previous agreements.
He called for an end to Israeli settlement expansion and annexation efforts, support for Palestinian institutions and a credible political process to end the occupation and ensure the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
Guterres said Gaza and the West Bank must remain politically, economically and geographically united under a legitimate Palestinian government.
The ultimate goal, he said, should be two sovereign and democratic states living side by side within secure and recognised borders, with Jerusalem serving as the capital of both states.
“There is no alternative. Time is running out,” Guterres said, stressing that support for a two-state solution must go beyond words.
-AAH
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
