The United Nations General Assembly has backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member by recognizing it as qualified to join and recommending the UN Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably.” This development follows the United States' veto of the bid in the UN Security Council last month.
The resolution, adopted with overwhelming support, with 143 votes in favor and nine against, recognizes the State of Palestine as qualified for membership and recommends that the Security Council revisit the issue with a favorable perspective.
Since 2012, Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the UN, granting it certain rights but falling short of full membership. However, the recent UNGA resolution signifies a tangible show of support for Palestine's aspirations to attain full membership.
President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine welcomed the resolution, hailing it as a positive step towards advancing the Palestinian cause. He reiterated Palestine's commitment to pursuing full membership and expressed gratitude for the international community's backing.
Conversely, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, criticized the resolution, condemning it as a misguided decision that welcomed a "terror state" into the UN ranks. Erdan's strong opposition underscores the deeply entrenched divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
The resolution grants Palestine additional rights within the UN, empowering it to participate fully in debates, propose agenda items, and have its representatives elected to committees. Despite these advancements, Palestine still lacks the right to cast a vote, a privilege reserved for full UN members and contingent upon Security Council approval.
The Palestinian bid for full UN membership comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, compounded by Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized that a yes vote supports Palestinian existence and is an investment in peace. However, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan strongly opposed the resolution, accusing the Assembly of undermining the UN Charter.
An application for full UN membership requires approval from both the Security Council and the General Assembly. While the resolution grants Palestinians additional rights and privileges, including a seat among UN members in the assembly hall, they will not have a vote in the body. Presently, Palestinians hold non-member observer state status, granted by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
The adoption of this resolution marks a significant step in the ongoing quest for Palestinian statehood and recognition within the international community. However, challenges remain as the issue heads back to the Security Council, where a US veto is expected once again.
The resolution, adopted with overwhelming support, with 143 votes in favor and nine against, recognizes the State of Palestine as qualified for membership and recommends that the Security Council revisit the issue with a favorable perspective.
Since 2012, Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the UN, granting it certain rights but falling short of full membership. However, the recent UNGA resolution signifies a tangible show of support for Palestine's aspirations to attain full membership.
President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine welcomed the resolution, hailing it as a positive step towards advancing the Palestinian cause. He reiterated Palestine's commitment to pursuing full membership and expressed gratitude for the international community's backing.
Conversely, Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, criticized the resolution, condemning it as a misguided decision that welcomed a "terror state" into the UN ranks. Erdan's strong opposition underscores the deeply entrenched divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
The resolution grants Palestine additional rights within the UN, empowering it to participate fully in debates, propose agenda items, and have its representatives elected to committees. Despite these advancements, Palestine still lacks the right to cast a vote, a privilege reserved for full UN members and contingent upon Security Council approval.
The Palestinian bid for full UN membership comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, compounded by Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized that a yes vote supports Palestinian existence and is an investment in peace. However, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan strongly opposed the resolution, accusing the Assembly of undermining the UN Charter.
An application for full UN membership requires approval from both the Security Council and the General Assembly. While the resolution grants Palestinians additional rights and privileges, including a seat among UN members in the assembly hall, they will not have a vote in the body. Presently, Palestinians hold non-member observer state status, granted by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
The adoption of this resolution marks a significant step in the ongoing quest for Palestinian statehood and recognition within the international community. However, challenges remain as the issue heads back to the Security Council, where a US veto is expected once again.
