UN Experts Call on All Countries to Recognize 'Palestinian State'

UN experts issued a joint statement on Monday, June 4, stating that all countries should recognize the 'Palestinian State' and use all their political and diplomatic resources to establish an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The UN special rapporteurs, consisting of independent experts and members of the UN Human Rights Council working groups, stated that recognizing the Palestinian state is 'a prerequisite for sustainable peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East, which begins with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the cessation of further military incursions into Rafah.' The experts welcomed the decision of Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize the 'Palestinian State,' noting that this decision came after the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of supporting the Palestinians' efforts for full membership in this country. Norway, Spain, and Ireland announced on Wednesday, May 22, that they would recognize the Palestinian state on June 1 and expressed hope that other Western countries would follow suit. While this decision was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas militant group, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway. Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, stated that his country 'will not remain silent. We are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, eliminating Hamas, and returning hostages.' Israel also took punitive action by banning Spanish consular services in Jerusalem for Palestinians residing in the West Bank. The White House, following the decisions of Ireland, Spain, and Norway, stated that President Joe Biden believes that the 'Palestinian State' should be achieved through negotiation, not unilateral recognition at the UN. Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, said, 'The President believes that a two-state solution that guarantees Israel's security and a dignified and secure future for the Palestinian people is the best way to create long-term security and stability for all in the region.' The French Foreign Minister also stated, 'The conditions for the official recognition of Palestine as a state have not yet been met.' Stefan Sejourne stated in a statement, 'This is not just a symbolic issue or a matter of political positioning, but a diplomatic tool serving the two-state solution that lives together in peace and security.' The German Foreign Ministry spokesperson also emphasized Berlin's support for the 'two-state solution' in response to the decisions of these three countries. Israel's punitive action against Spain; consular services to Palestinians in Jerusalem were banned. Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized the formation of the 'Palestinian State.' Netanyahu: A permanent ceasefire will not be established without the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. UNRWA announced that more than one million people have left Rafah.