(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, March 3 (KUNA) -- The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed Monday the launching of the Berlin Initiative: for a Diplomatic Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
"I commend the launch of The Berlin Initiative and its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Guterres said in a message to the initiative launchers.
He recalled how the Israeli occupation's war on Gaza has unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza.
"Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank is fueling further instability and suffering," he argued.
He stressed that the ceasefire in Gaza must hold and be implemented in full.
"All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner. And humanitarian aid must be maintained, funded, protected, and reach people in dire need without restrictions," he made it clear.
"But beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace - one that ensures security for Israel, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and stability for the entire region".
The UN chief indicated that achieving this goal requires a clear political framework for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.
"It requires immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution - with Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unified under a legitimate Palestinian authority, accepted and supported by the Palestinian people. And it requires putting an end to occupation, settlement expansion and threats of annexation," he said.
He called for seizing the opportunity provided by initiatives like the Berlin Initiative to forge a diplomatic path.
"I urge everyone to seize this moment to build a future where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security, in line with international law and UN resolutions. It is the only way." he concluded. (end)
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