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The Middle East is at a critical turning point that could be the final opportunity to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, a senior UN official warned on Tuesday.
Sigrid Kaag, the UN envoy for the Middle East peace process, cautioned against growing calls for Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, saying such a move would pose an “existential threat” to the possibility of an independent Palestinian state.
“The Middle East today is undergoing rapid transformation—its scope and impact remain uncertain, but it also presents a historic opportunity,” Kaag told the UN Security Council.
“The people of the region can emerge from this period with peace, security, and dignity. However, this may be our last chance to achieve the two-state solution.”
She urged Hamas and Israel to finalise the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and prevent a return to conflict.
The ongoing war has devastated the region, with international pressure mounting for a long-term resolution.
Kaag also stressed that Gaza must be part of a future Palestinian state alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, rejecting suggestions that its population should be displaced.
Reports have indicated that US President Donald Trump supports placing Gaza under US control, which Kaag opposed.
