ISTANBUL: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) applauded announcements from Spain, Norway, and Ireland on Wednesday to recognize Palestine as a state. Formal recognition of Palestine as a state by the three European countries will enter into force on May 28, 2024. 'This important historic step is in line with international law and relevant United Nations legitimacy resolutions, and contributes to the affirmation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and enhances the status of the State of Palestine at the international scene,' the pan-Islamic grouping said in a statement. This stance 'supports international efforts aimed at ending Israeli colonial occupation of Palestinian land since 1967, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and push in the direction of achieving justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.' The OIC reiterated its call to all states worldwide that have not yet recognized Palestine as a state to announce their recognition and support its request for full membership in th e United Nations. This call is part of 'the international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region, in line with the two-state solution vision, in accordance with relevant international legitimacy resolution and the Arab Peace initiative,' it added. The recognition comes as Israel continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave. More than 35,600 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and nearly 79,900 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. *Writing by Mohammad Sio Source: Anadolu Agency
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