United Nations, January 24 (RHC)-- At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza.  The UN chief said: “The entire population of Gaza is enduring destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in recent history.  Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

Guterres went on to criticize statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders opposing a two-state solution.  “Last week’s clear and repeated rejection of the two-state solution at the highest level of the Israeli government is unacceptable. … This refusal and the denial of the right to statehood to the Palestinian people will indefinitely prolong a conflict that has become a major threat to global peace and security.”

Guterres’s comments came as The Wall Street Journal reports a group of five Arab countries have proposed a plan to end the war in Gaza and create a pathway toward a Palestinian state.  As part of the deal, Saudi Arabia would also recognize the state of Israel.