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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 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," 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 recognize a Palestinian state.
Israel has repeatedly condemned moves to recognize 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.
(Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Ed Osmond)
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