UN Calls for Recognition of Palestine as Sovereign State in General Assembly

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated on Tuesday that ending the genocidal war being waged by Israel against the Gaza Strip is a global urgency, given the increasing complexity of the situation and the need to respect the sovereignty of both peoples.

During a public appearance, Guterres urged world leaders to use the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September 23-29, as an opportunity to analyze concrete strategies leading to a solution based on the coexistence of two states—a proposal that, according to the organization, is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace in the region.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is a fundamental step and that the support of the 150 heads of state and government convened for the General Assembly could represent significant progress in that direction.

The UN has promoted this stance in various diplomatic forums, aiming to halt the escalation of violence that, according to international allegations, is part of an Israeli strategy to reconfigure the political map of the territory.

However, Guterres acknowledged that, in the current context, this possibility is perceived as increasingly distant due to the intensifying attacks and rising number of civilian casualties. “It seems that Israel is determined to go to the end,” he stated, noting an evident lack of willingness to negotiate a ceasefire or free the hostages.

Beyond the situation in the Middle East, the Secretary-General highlighted that the General Assembly will be a key venue to address other global challenges, such as geopolitical divisions, impunity, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and boosting climate action. Guterres stated these issues are being affected by “human excesses and the irresponsibility of governments.”

“It is time to get serious,” concluded the Secretary-General, in a direct call to the international community to act with determination and responsibility in the face of conflicts that threaten global stability.