UN experts urge all countries to recognise Palestinian statehood
By Reuters |
The call came less than a week after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state.
A group of United Nations experts called on Monday for all countries to recognise a Palestinian state to ensure peace in the Middle East.
The call came less than a week after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised a Palestinian state, prompting anger from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after nearly eight months of war in Gaza.
Keep reading
- Israeli strikes kill 17 Palestinians in Gaza as mediators yet to secure ceasefire
- Pope Francis calls Gaza airstrikes 'cruelty' after Israeli minister's criticism
- The nightmare in Gaza must stop, urges UN deputy chief
- Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza, Egypt to host Hamas leaders for ceasefire talks
The experts, including the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, said recognition of a Palestinian state was an important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggle towards freedom and independence.
"This is a precondition 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," they said.
"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."
Israel's Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
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 states to follow suit. Denmark's parliament later rejected a proposal to recognise a Palestinian state.
Israel has repeatedly condemned moves to recognise a Palestinian state, saying they bolster Hamas, the militant Islamist group that led the deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which sparked the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel says the Oct. 7 attack, the worst in its 75-year history, killed 1,200 people, with more than 250 hostages taken.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
