The United Nations’ top official for the Middle East warned Tuesday that the window may be closing on the possibility of achieving a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
“The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security and dignity,” Sigrid Kaag, special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. “However, this may be our last chance to achieve the two-state solution.”
She later told reporters that the impacts of conflict, the situation in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements and threats of annexation of the West Bank are pushing a two-state solution further away.
“So, it's also my intent to remind the council that statements are one thing, but we need action,” she said. “And it's the two-state solution as a viable solution, geographically, is withering away before our very eyes. And words themselves won't solve it. It needs active political engagement and diplomacy.”
In the council, Kaag expressed alarm about the expansion of Israeli military operations in the West Bank that began on Jan. 21, particularly in Jenin, Tubas and Tulkarm.
“Israeli forces have deployed airstrikes and other heavy weapons, while Palestinian militants have used improvised explosive devices and carried out shooting attacks,” she said. “This takes place alongside continued violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and attacks by Palestinians against Israelis.
Gaza ceasefire
On Gaza, Kaag said the three-phase ceasefire and hostage release deal must be implemented and the resumption of fighting avoided at all costs.
“I call on both sides to fully honor their commitments to the ceasefire deal and conclude negotiations for the second phase,” she said. “I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar and the United States — for their steadfast work in securing the first phase and pursuing the second phase.”
The acting U.S. ambassador said the Trump administration is continuing its work to ensure full implementation of the deal.
“Hamas still holds 63 hostages, including New Jersey native Idan Alexander and the remains of four Americans murdered by Hamas in Gaza,” Ambassador Dorothy Shea said of the U.S.-designated terror group.
“As long as Hamas stands as a force that can govern, or as a force that can administer, or as a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible,” she said. “Hamas must be eliminated. It must be eradicated.”
Israel’s ambassador agreed, saying Israel would continue to act.
“We will not be deterred. We will eliminate Hamas,” Danny Danon told council members. “Believe me when I say it. We will bring our people home, and we will secure the safety and future of Israel.”
Pressed further on whether that includes resuming the fighting, Danon told reporters that is one option, but other options are also being discussed. He referenced as an example a deal that saw Palestine Liberation Organization fighters leave Lebanon to Tunisia, following Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon in pursuit of them.
“But the end game will be no Hamas in Gaza,” he said.
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour expressed concern that the first phase of the ceasefire will expire in days with no firm agreement on the second phase.
“For the U.S., the conclusion of this agreement and its implementation is about the hostages. But for Israel, was it?” Mansour said to the council. “The next few days yet again test its true priorities. Will they destroy the ceasefire and resume fighting? Or will they — will all of you, will all of us — make the ceasefire permanent to save lives?”
Israeli hostage appeal
Noa Argamani, a young Israeli woman kidnapped from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023, and held hostage for eight months by Hamas in Gaza before her rescue by the Israeli military, appealed for the parties to fully implement the three phases of the fragile ceasefire deal so all remaining hostages, living and dead, are released.
She said her partner, Avinatan Or, who was also taken captive, is not eligible for release until the second phase of the deal.
“Work hard to get everyone home now," Argamani told the Security Council, the first time a former Oct. 7 hostage has directly addressed the council.
She said the remaining hostages “are in hell” and “deserve to come back home.”
Under the terms of the deal agreed upon in mid-January, the first stage of 42 days will expire this Saturday. Local news reports say 30 Israeli and foreign hostages have been released, plus the remains of four slain captives, including two children. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have also been released. Israel’s military has pulled back to the edges of Gaza, and Palestinians have begun returning to their homes in the north of the Gaza Strip, which was previously off-limits.
The second phase is expected to see the remaining male hostages freed, including soldiers, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. And in the third phase, the bodies of dead Israeli hostages are expected to be exchanged for dead Palestinian fighters.
Argamani warned that “every second in captivity is dangerous.”
“This is why it is absolutely critical that we end this terrible tragedy. Without immediate action, many more innocent people will be killed,” she said.
