On September 22, 2026, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He expressed concern over the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, stating that it threatens any prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Guterres warned that the situation could lead to ethnic cleansing.
Guterres emphasized that the past decade has seen devastating wars that have continued with brutal intensity. He noted that civilians have been targeted, human rights violated, and hunger used as a weapon. The Secretary-General stressed that military force alone cannot guarantee security, nor can economic power alone ensure stability. He called for a more interconnected world with strong and effective institutions.
The UN Secretary-General urged calm and an end to fighting in several countries. He also called on the United States and China to cooperate in the field of artificial intelligence. Guterres stated that governments with greater capabilities in AI have greater responsibilities towards humanity. He emphasized the need for dialogue, communication, trust, and cooperation.
Guterres expressed his disappointment over the United States' refusal to grant visas to Palestinian officials to attend UN meetings. According to reports, the US denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The Secretary-General's comments come amid rising tensions and concerns over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank has been a contentious issue for years. Guterres' remarks highlight the growing international concern over the situation. The UN has long maintained that a two-state solution is the most viable path to peace in the region.
The UN General Assembly session comes at a time of heightened global tensions. The ongoing conflicts, along with issues like climate change and technological advancements, are expected to be key discussion points. Guterres' address set the tone for the session, emphasizing the need for cooperation and diplomacy.
The situation in the occupied West Bank remains a pressing concern for the international community. Guterres' warning of potential ethnic cleansing underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution. The UN Secretary-General's call for cooperation and dialogue is a reminder of the need for collective action to address these pressing global issues.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of ethnic cleansing in occupied West Bank
- Guterres calls for cooperation between US and China on artificial intelligence
- The UN General Assembly session addresses pressing global issues, including conflicts and technological advancements
