Guterres said: “This rejection and denial of the right of the Palestinian people to their own state would indefinitely prolong this conflict, which has become a major threat to world peace and security. A lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through a two-state solution.” Schallenberg supported. This is the only way to guarantee Israel's long-term security, said the ÖVP minister on Tuesday afternoon (local time) in New York.
The situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip is “painful,” but peace in the region is possible, Schallenberg expressed cautious optimism. “Normalization brings political and economic benefits to everyone. Arab partners must not allow themselves to be taken hostage by Hamas.” At the same time, the Palestinian Authority (PA) must “finally live up to the legitimate expectations of its population”. The international community, in turn, called on Schallenberg to do more: “Bringing all the hostages home. Alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Fighting terrorism together. And laying the foundations for a life of peace and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and ultra-right cabinet members recently emphasized that they would reject a two-state solution. The US, Germany and the EU are therefore currently increasing pressure on opponents of this solution. The militant Islamist Hamas also rejects a two-state solution, according to which an independent, democratic and demilitarized Palestinian state should exist peacefully alongside Israel.
Israel rejects a ceasefire until radical Islamist Hamas releases all its hostages. Government spokesman Eylon Levy said this on Tuesday. He reiterated the government’s war aims in Jerusalem: “The destruction of Hamas’ governmental and military capabilities in the Gaza Strip and the return of all hostages.” Previously, the Israeli military said it had surrounded Khan Younis.
Troops surrounded the second-largest city in the southern Gaza Strip in an extensive operation on Monday and intensified fighting in the region, the military said. “The area is an important stronghold of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade.” Ground troops are engaged in hand-to-hand combat and the air force is attacking. “Dozens of terrorists” were “eliminated”.
At the beginning of December, the Israeli army had already announced the siege of the largest city in the south of the Palestinian coastal area. According to eyewitnesses, fierce fighting recently broke out between members of Hamas and Israeli soldiers in the west of the city. The Palestinian Red Crescent humanitarian aid organization spoke of dozens of deaths and injuries.
Khan Younis is considered a Hamas stronghold. Israel suspects the leadership of the Islamic organization, as well as Israeli hostages, of being in the tunnel network in the area. The army had already announced an expansion of its offensive in the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday.
The war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, which terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups carried out in southern Israel on October 7. They murdered 1,200 people. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 25,000 people have been killed so far.