A panel of UN experts urged on Monday all nations to acknowledge the State of Palestine, saying this recognition “is vital for acknowledging the rights, struggles, and suffering of the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and independence.”

The experts asserted that Palestine must be granted full self-determination, including the right to exist, determine their own future, and develop as a nation with security and safety.

They highlighted that such recognition is essential for achieving lasting peace in Palestine and the broader Middle East, starting with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to military incursions into Rafah.

Citing recent rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which demanded Israel halt its military operations in Rafah, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is pursuing arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, the UN experts called on states to refrain from threatening or attacking these international courts.

They stressed that the ICJ and ICC must be allowed to operate without external interference to ensure global justice and accountability for all victims of the conflict.

Despite the ICJ ruling, Israel has escalated its attacks on Rafah and continues to obstruct the delivery of essential supplies to Palestinians in Gaza.