UNITED NATIONS, United States, Aug 14, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday he hoped the Israel-UAE deal
can help realize a two-state solution with the Palestinians for peace in the
Middle East.
Israel and the UAE agreed to normalize ties in a landmark deal, only the
third such accord the Jewish state has struck with an Arab nation, in which
it pledged to suspend annexation of Palestinian lands.
Guterres said annexation would “effectively close the door” on negotiations
between Israeli and Palestinian leaders and “destroy the prospect” of a
viable Palestinian state under a two-state solution.
“The secretary-general welcomes this agreement, hoping it will create an
opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful
negotiations that will realize a two state-solution in line with relevant UN
resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements,” a spokesman for
Guterres said in a statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “historic day” and
would launch a “new era” for the Arab world and Israel.
But the Palestinians strongly rejected the deal, calling it a “betrayal” of
their cause, including their claim to Jerusalem as the capital of their
future state.
“The secretary-general will continue to work with all sides to open further
possibilities for dialogue, peace and stability,” the spokesman said.