Palestine: World leaders decry Israeli stance against two-state solution

World leaders have expressed disappointment to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's affirmation that he won't budge for a two-state solution.

The United Kingdom's defence secretary Grant Shapps said that "it's disappointing to hear Benjamin Netanyahu saying he doesn’t believe in a two-state solution. In fairness, he’s said that all of his political career, as far as I can tell."

"I don't think we get to a solution unless we have a two-state solution," Shapps told Sky News.

He also favoured the two-state solution and added that there "isn't another option."

A statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said “In his conversation with President Biden, prime minister Netanyahu reiterated his policy that, after Hamas is destroyed, Israel must retain security control over Gaza to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, a requirement that contradicts the demand for Palestinian sovereignty."

Meanwhile, UN secretary general António Guterres once again denounced Israel for the "heartbreaking" killings of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

While speaking at the G77+China summit in Kampala, Guterres said Israel’s military operations have spread mass destruction and killed civilians on a scale unprecedented during my time as secretary-general.

“This is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable. The Middle East is a tinder-box, we must do all we can to prevent conflict from igniting across the region," he added.

Israeli strikes have killed over 25,000 Palestinians since October 7 Hamas attack.

Guterres also added that refusal of accepting a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians is totally unacceptable. Denying Palestinians the right to statehood would indefinitely prolong the conflict, he added.

On Sunday, Israel's cabinet has approved a plan for frozen Palestinian tax funds to be held by a third party country, and reserved the right to decide when the money will be transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Under the peace accords, Israel's finance ministry collects tax on behalf of PA and transfers the amount monthly. Though there were disagreements, the system was followed. According to Netanyahu, the cabinet decision was supported by Norway and the US.

Amid the Palestinian statehood row, France's foreign minister, Stéphane Séjourné said that "Palestinians have the right to sovereignty and statehood”.

Meanwhile, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has held talks with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan. Reportedly, an establishment of a ceasefire as soon as possible and the release of hostages held by Hamas were the main topics of discussion.

According to Israel, around 132 hostages are still being held captive by Hamas. People have staged a protest on Saturday outside Netanyahu's residence over taking steps for the immediate release of the hostages. Protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea and Kfar Saba demanding action.

The US had repeatedly said that an independent Palestinian state is the only path to rebuilding Gaza and a solution to the ongoing tensions. However, with Netanyahu not in favour of the cited solution, the war is likely to prolong.