A call to action from the United Nations echoed on Monday as a group of nearly 30 top independent experts and Special Rapporteurs urged all countries to officially recognize the State of Palestine. This appeal, which includes sentiments from Palestinian rights Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, aims to promote peace in the Middle East and secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Details of the call can be found in the UN experts’ statement.
The experts reiterated the necessity for Palestine to achieve full self-determination. This encompasses the nation’s ability to exist independently, determine its destiny, and develop freely as a safeguarded and secure community. Furthermore, they urged states to refrain from intimidating and attacking international judicial bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This is particularly pertinent following the ICC Prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants for high-profile Israeli and Hamas leaders, and the ICJ’s provisional measures that necessitate an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Rafah. More details on the ICC’s decision can be read here and on the ICJ’s measures here.
This UN appeal follows closely on the heels of recent actions by Ireland, Norway, and Spain, which have formally acknowledged Palestine as a state. This brings the total number of UN member countries recognizing Palestine to 146 out of 193. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized that recognizing Palestine does not negate Israel’s right to exist but rather encourages a peaceful two-state solution. This step, aimed at distinguishing between Hamas and the Palestinian populace, was met with a response from Israel, which has recalled its ambassadors from the three nations. Details regarding the formal recognition by these three countries can be found here as well as in a brief announcement here. Meanwhile, the White House has signaled its opposition through President Joe Biden’s security advisor, emphasizing the US stance on pursuing a negotiated two-state resolution rather than unilateral recognition, detailed here.
For further reading, refer to the full report on the matter here.