The United Nations General Assembly recently took a significant step in supporting the Palestinian bid for full UN membership. The assembly recognized Palestine as qualified to join and recommended that the UN Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably.” This move comes after the United States vetoed the Palestinian bid in the Security Council last month.
Global support for the Palestinian bid was evident in the General Assembly’s vote, with 143 countries voting in favor, nine against (including the US and Israel), and 25 abstaining. While this resolution does not grant full UN membership to Palestine, it acknowledges their qualification to join the organization.
The push for full UN membership by Palestine comes at a crucial time, amidst ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza, as well as Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, deemed illegal by the UN. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized the importance of peace and freedom in his address to the General Assembly, urging member states to vote in favor of Palestinian existence as an investment in peace.
However, not all voices in the assembly supported the resolution. UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused the Assembly of being “Jew-hating” and criticized the decision to recognize Palestine as qualified for UN membership. He even went as far as shredding a copy of the UN Charter at the lectern, expressing his disapproval of the resolution.
The US has been a vocal opponent of the Palestinian bid for full UN membership, with Ambassador Erdan warning that approval of the measure could lead to a cut in US funding to the United Nations and its institutions. The process for becoming a full UN member involves approval from the Security Council and then the General Assembly, where a US veto is likely if the measure is brought up again.
Despite these challenges, United Arab Emirates UN Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab called on the Security Council to respond to the will of the international community. The General Assembly resolution adopted on Friday grants Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024, such as a seat among UN members in the assembly hall.
The Palestinian UN mission emphasized that supporting the resolution for full UN membership is crucial for preserving the two-state solution. The mission highlighted the importance of reaffirming support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state, especially during this critical moment.
The vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders has long been endorsed by the United Nations. Palestinians seek a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war. The US maintains that direct negotiations are the path towards statehood for the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the recent General Assembly resolution recognizing Palestine as qualified for full UN membership reflects global support for Palestinian statehood. While challenges remain, this move signifies a step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.