GENEVA/CAIRO - Over 20 experts and special rapporteurs of the United Nations called on Monday for all countries to recognize a Palestinian state.

In their statement, the experts and special rapporteurs emphasized that all states should follow the example set by over 140 UN member states in recognizing Palestine. They urged countries to utilize all political and diplomatic means to facilitate an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

They asserted that a crucial step towards lasting peace in Palestine and the broader Middle East is the immediate declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza and the cessation of further military incursions into Rafah.

Norway, Ireland and Spain made a coordinated announcement on May 22, declaring their recognition of Palestine as a state effective as of May 28.

With over 140 countries already having recognized a Palestinian state, this represents more than two-thirds of the United Nations' membership.

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Also on Monday, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stressed the importance of dealing seriously and positively with the US President's proposal leading to a deal that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and the adequate delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting, the foreign ministers of the five Arab countries said they had discussed developments in the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States that will lead to a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the adequate entry of aid into Gaza.

The foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia affirmed their support for the mediation efforts, according to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

The ministers also highlighted the need to stop the aggression against Gaza and end the humanitarian catastrophe it has triggered, the return of the displaced to their homes, and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.

They reaffirmed that achieving the two-state solution is the only way to achieve security and peace for the entire region, and to this end, implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions with clear timelines and binding guarantees. 

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Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said on Monday that the Israeli operations in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah have forced more than 1 million people to flee.

The UNRWA said in a statement on social media platform X that thousands of families are now taking shelter in the damaged and destroyed UN agency facilities in Khan Younis, south of the strip.

The agency staff continued to provide basic services despite increasing challenges, the statement said, stressing the necessity of an immediate ceasefire to end people's suffering.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, 394 incidents have been reported, affecting 179 UNRWA facilities where people sought refuge under the UN flag, it said, pointing out that there is no safe place in the enclave.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Gaza said in a statement on Monday that the Israeli army killed 40 Palestinians and wounded 150 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 36,479 and injuries to 82,777 since the conflict broke out on Oct 7, 2023.