UN chief warns of ‘breaking point’ in Israel-Palestine conflict

UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaking at the United Nations peace conference in New York. Photo: Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has reaffirmed his country’s support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine at the United Nations peace conference in New York. He praised France and Saudi Arabia for co-hosting the event and called on fellow UN members to recognise a Palestinian state and remove obstacles blocking peace progress.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a “breaking point.” He cautioned that if drastic action isn’t taken, the world risks slipping into a one-state reality characterized by permanent occupation, inequality, and collapsing peace prospects.

Lamola said that South Africa will continue to advocate for international law and human rights, leveraging global institutions to ensure fair treatment and justice for Palestinians.