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Middle East conflict

Only two-state solution can ensure peace in Middle East, UN secretary general says

"We must stand up to the forces of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of hate," Antonio Guterres went on to say

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

© AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

UNITED NATIONS, October 24. /TASS/. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the only realistic foundation for peace and stability in the Middle East is coexistence of Israeli and Palestinian states.

"Even in this moment of grave and immediate danger, we cannot lose sight of the only realistic foundation for a true peace and stability: a two-State solution," he said at UN Security Council debate dedicated to the situation in the Middle East.

"Israelis must see their legitimate needs for security materialized, and Palestinians must see their legitimate aspirations for an independent State realized, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements," the secretary general continued.

Guterres also warned of a "tsunami of disinformation."

"We must stand up to the forces of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of hate," he went on to say.

The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following an incursion of Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7. Hamas regards the attack as a response to Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem's Temple Mount. Israel has declared a complete siege of the Gaza Strip and has started delivering strikes on that area and parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.

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