UN Chief Calls for Two-State Solution and Humanitarian Law at Arab Summit Amid Gaza Crisis Escalation

Dr. Asif Nawaz

Assistant Professor

Hamdard Institute of International Studies, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

draasifnawaz@gmail.com

+91 9013228794

On May 17, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered remarks at the Arab Summit in Baghdad, Iraq. The Arab Summit is a gathering of leaders from the 22 member states of the Arab League, convened to address regional challenges, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, security, and humanitarian crises. The choice of Baghdad as the host city signals Iraq’s efforts to reassert its role in regional diplomacy amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Guterres reiterated the UN’s longstanding position that a two-state solution—envisioning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on pre-1967 borders with mutually agreed land swaps and Jerusalem as a shared capital—remains the only viable framework for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. This stance is consistent with UN resolutions, such as Resolution 242 (1967) and later agreements like the Oslo Accords (1993-1995), although progress has been stalled for decades.

He emphasized that actions impacting civilians must adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL), explicitly condemning collective punishment—a reference to measures like blockades, indiscriminate strikes, or restrictions on civilian access to essentials (e.g., food, water, or medical aid). Under IHL, such actions are prohibited, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions (1949). Guterres’ remarks underscore that no political or military justification can override these obligations.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly linked to the Gaza Crisis and broader Arab-Israeli conflict. Based on the statement, key elements of the current situation include:

1. Guterres expressed alarm over “emerging reports” of a potential escalation of ground operations, likely referring to Israeli military actions in Gaza or the West Bank. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza, the region has seen cycles of violence. Reports suggest ongoing or renewed Israeli operations, possibly involving ground incursions, which have historically led to significant civilian casualties and displacement.

2. #GazaCrisis points to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians live under blockade and face shortages of basic necessities. The conflict since 2023 has reportedly killed tens of thousands (exact figures vary by source) and displaced most of Gaza’s population. Guterres’ focus on humanitarian principles reflects UN concerns about aid access, civilian protection, and allegations of IHL violations by multiple parties.

3. The Arab Summit’s focus on the conflict highlights the broader Arab world’s engagement. Countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar have mediated past ceasefires, while others, like Saudi Arabia, balance normalization talks with Israel against domestic and regional pressure to support Palestinian rights. The summit likely aimed to unify Arab positions on the conflict and pressure global powers for action.

4. Guterres’ statement that the UN cannot support initiatives misaligned with IHL reflects the organization’s delicate position. The UN provides humanitarian aid through agencies like UNRWA but faces criticism for its limited ability to enforce resolutions or influence major powers (e.g., the US, Israel’s key ally). His remarks signal a commitment to neutrality and legality while implicitly critiquing actions—by Israel, Hamas, or others—that violate humanitarian norms.

Implications:

By reaffirming the two-state solution's framework, Guterres is urging the international community to revive diplomatic efforts, despite challenges. The two-state solution faces obstacles like Israeli settlement expansion, Palestinian factionalism (Hamas vs. Palestinian Authority), and declining public support on both sides. His call aims to counter alternative proposals, like annexation or a single-state model, which are divisive or deemed unfeasible.

The emphasis on IHL and collective punishment is a pointed reminder to all parties—Israel, Hamas, and their backers—to prioritize civilian lives. This is particularly relevant given reports of Gaza’s humanitarian collapse and allegations of war crimes, which are under scrutiny at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Guterres’ concern about ground operations is both a plea for de-escalation and a warning that further violence could destabilize the region, strain UN resources, and undermine peace prospects. It also reflects fears of broader conflict, potentially involving Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah or regional powers.

Delivered at a high-profile summit, the remarks target not only Arab leaders but also global powers like the US, EU, and China, urging them to back UN-led peace efforts and enforce accountability for IHL violations.

Current Relevance:

The statement is a response to an ongoing or imminent crisis, likely tied to intensified Israeli operations in Gaza or the West Bank, as suggested by the mention of “ground operations.” Guterres’ statement underscores the UN’s broader goal of preventing a regional war, while his emphasis on #HumanRights and #HumanitarianPrinciples reflects advocacy for civilian protection amid polarizing narratives.

The lack of progress on the two-state solution and Gaza’s worsening conditions make Guterres’ call urgent but challenging, given geopolitical divisions (e.g., US vetoes at the UN Security Council).

In summary, Guterres' remarks at the Arab Summit serve as a clear call for diplomacy, legality, and humanity in a region that is on the verge of further violence. They reflect the UN’s effort to remain a moral and practical voice in the Arab-Israeli conflict, despite limited enforcement power. The focus on the two-state solution and IHL is both a reaffirmation of principle and a critique of actions undermining peace, aimed at rallying Arab and global support to avert catastrophe in Gaza and beyond.

#UN #MiddleEast #TwoStateSolution #InternationalLaw #HumanRights #GazaCrisis #ArabSummit #PeaceAndSecurity #HumanitarianPrinciples

Dr. Asif Nawaz

Assistant Professor

Hamdard Institute of International Studies, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

draasifnawaz@gmail.com

+91 9013228794