United Nations experts stated that everyone should follow the lead of the 146 countries that have recognized the Palestinian state and utilize all available resources to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
According to a statement released by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday, the experts emphasized that “recognizing the State of Palestine is important for the rights, struggle, and suffering of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence,” affirming that “Palestine must be able to enjoy full self-determination, including the ability to exist and determine its destiny and evolve freely as a people enjoying safety and security.”
They pointed out that “this precondition for permanent peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East begins with the immediate declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza and refraining from further military incursions in Rafah.”
The experts welcomed the recent recognition of the occupied Palestinian territory as a state by Norway, Ireland, and Spain, following the overwhelming vote (143 in favor, 9 against) in the General Assembly to support Palestine’s attempt to become a full member of the United Nations on May 10.
They added, “While the possibility of permanent peace and ending the occupation has remained elusive since the Oslo Accords over 30 years ago, a political solution should not be considered a foregone conclusion.”
Emphasizing that “the two-state solution remains the only internationally agreed-upon path to achieve peace and security for both Palestine and Israel,” they stressed that “this is the way to break the cycles of violence and frustration that have persisted for generations.”
