United Nations General Assembly has supported the Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership. This decision has been taken to signal global support for their statehood quest. The vote, held on Friday, favoured the bid, with 143 votes for it and only nine against it, including the United States and Israel. Twenty-five countries abstained from voting.
The assembly’s resolution does not confer full U.N. membership to Palestine but recognizes Palestine’s eligibility to become a member. Additionally, the resolution urges the U.N. Security Council to review the matter with a positive outlook, marking a significant diplomatic triumph for the Palestinian cause.
The push for Palestinian statehood comes amid ongoing conflict in the region, particularly between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank has drawn international criticism, with the U.N. deeming it illegal.
Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N. Riyad Mansour emphasized the importance of the vote, stating that it represents a vote for Palestinian existence and an investment in peace. Mansour’s remarks resonated with many diplomats, drawing applause from the assembly.
However, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, opposed the resolution, accusing the assembly of undermining the U.N. Charter. Erdan’s remarks underscored the deep divisions surrounding the issue of Palestinian statehood within the international community.
The path to full U.N. membership for Palestine involves approval from the Security Council, where it is likely to face a U.S. veto. Despite this hurdle, the General Assembly’s endorsement provides the Palestinians with additional rights and privileges within the U.N. framework.
Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, reiterated the U.S. stance on Palestinian statehood, emphasizing the importance of direct negotiations between the parties. Wood’s remarks reflected the U.S. commitment to advancing a two-state solution through diplomatic channels.
The resolution adopted by the General Assembly grants Palestinians some additional rights and privileges starting September 2024. However, they will not have voting rights in the assembly, highlighting the limitations of their status as a non-member observer state.
Since 2012, the Palestinians have been represented at the U.N. as a non-member observer state with limited self-rule in the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. The split governance between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas in Gaza adds complexity to the statehood issue.
Erdan warned of potential consequences if the resolution is adopted, suggesting that the U.S. could cut funding to the United Nations and its institutions. Such actions would align with U.S. law, which prohibits funding to U.N. organizations granting full membership to entities lacking recognized statehood attributes.
In response to the General Assembly’s decision, a group of Republican U.S. senators introduced a bill to tighten restrictions on funding to entities granting rights and privileges to the Palestinians. However, the bill’s prospects in the Democrat-controlled Senate remain uncertain.
The resolution passed by the General Assembly underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advance the prospects for a two-state solution. Despite challenges and divisions, the international community continues to engage in dialogue and negotiation to achieve lasting peace in the region.
