By Phileleftheros Editorial
Copyright philenews
The “wave” of Palestinian state recognition is strengthening as part of efforts to drive a Middle East solution—one that serves everyone and, above all, peace.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the International Conference on Implementation of the Two-State Solution for Palestine, co-organised by France and Saudi Arabia, stated that statehood is a right, not a reward, for Palestinians.
This will come through ending the war, releasing hostages held by Hamas, and implementing UN resolutions. Clearly, the only path out of the nightmare of war, death, refugees and destruction leads to a two-state solution.
Two states—Israel and Palestine—that will coexist, operating side by side peacefully in an environment of stability and development.
Cyprus has recognised the Palestinian state since 1988. Cyprus, a victim of invasion and occupation facing Turkey—a country that dismisses UN resolutions by refusing to implement them—insists on respecting all decisions by the international organisation on all problems.
As Mr António Guterres noted, we must have no illusions as “the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained unresolved for generations. Dialogue has collapsed. Resolutions have been trampled. International law has been violated. Decades of diplomatic efforts have failed”.
At this stage, moves to recognise the Palestinian state strengthen and pressure towards achieving agreement on a two-state solution. This will not happen without pressure.
It will not happen unless those involved feel the need to advance towards the path of peace. This can be achieved through mutual respect.
Something else: alongside coordinated actions to recognise the Palestinian state, the international community must support humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza through various measures.
These people need humanitarian assistance, and this is an issue that must be addressed immediately. It cannot wait while people suffer.
