GENEVA: A group of United Nations experts on Monday urged all countries to recognize a Palestinian state to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.
The call came less than a week after Ireland, Spain and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state. The recognition had prompted anger from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after nearly eight months of relentless bombardments in Gaza.
The UN experts, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, said recognition of a Palestinian state was a crucial acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggle toward freedom and independence.
The UN experts said, “This is a pre-condition for lasting peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East – beginning with the immediate declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza and no further military incursions into Rafah.”
“A two-state solution remains the only internationally agreed path to peace and security for both Palestine and Israel and a way out of generational cycles of violence and resentment.”
With their recognition of a Palestinian state, Spain, Ireland and Norway said they sought to accelerate efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
The three countries say they hope their decision will spur other European Union countries to follow suit.
Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing more than 36,439 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
