UNITED NATIONS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Recent escalations in the Middle East make it even more important to support efforts towards lasting peace between Israel and a fully independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday.
"Failure to make progress towards a two-state solution will only increase volatility and risk for hundreds of millions of people across the region, who will continue to live under the constant threat of violence," the top UN official told the UN Security Council's quarterly open debate on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question."
With the Middle East "on a precipice," Guterres appealed for maximum restraint, warning against the far-reaching consequences.
Stressing that the international community must work together to prevent any actions that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, he highlighted the need for diplomacy that would lead to de-escalation, starting with Gaza.
"Ending the hostilities in Gaza would significantly defuse tensions across the region," Guterres said, repeating his calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages held in the enclave. ■
