UN chief hopes Israel-UAE deal can help two-state solution

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said
Thursday he hoped the Israel-UAE deal can help realise a two-state solution
with the Palestinians for peace in the Middle East.

Israel and the UAE agreed to normalise 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.

Also read: Donald Trump announces historic peace deal between Israel
and UAE

“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.

Also read: ‘A historic step to bridge deep divides’: Biden welcomes
Israel-UAE deal

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.