UN chief: Two-state solution is only way,

CAIRO (Reuters) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday against abandoning the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying there is “no alternative.”

“There is no alternative solution for the situation between the Palestinians and Israelis, other than the solution of establishing two states, and we should do all that can be done to maintain this,” he said during a visit to Cairo.

The idea of a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel has underpinned Middle East peace efforts for decades, though the last US-brokered negotiations broke down in 2014.

But a senior White House official said on Tuesday peace did not necessarily have to entail Palestinian statehood, and US President Donald Trump would not try to “dictate” a solution.

Trump, at a Washington news conference held after Guterres spoke, left the question open, saying he would work to bring about peace between Israel and Palestinians, but it would be up to the parties themselves ultimately to reach an agreement.

Before the two leaders met, Palestinians warned the White House not to abandon their goal of an independent state.

For Palestinians, even the notion of a US retreat from the internationally backed goal of a state existing alongside Israel is alarming.

“If the Trump administration rejects this policy, it would be destroying the chances for peace and undermining American interests, standing and credibility abroad,” said Hanan Ashrawi, a senior member of the PLO.

Speaking later in the day at Cairo University, Guterres stressed once again the need to pursue a two-state solution.

“We should not forget the mother of all conflicts is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he said in a wide-ranging speech. “It is important to stress that, in my opinion... there is no plan B other than the two-state solution.”