The United Nations General Assembly passed a draft resolution granting Palestine additional rights and privileges, including eligibility to become the 194th member of the U.N. The resolution also allows Palestinian representatives to participate in committees, debates, and propose agenda items, but does not grant them the ability to participate in U.N. votes. The measure was approved in a 143-9 vote, with the U.S. and Israel voting against it, and 25 abstentions.
The U.S. had vetoed Palestine’s membership bid brought to the Security Council in mid-April, and U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood reiterated the nation’s opposition to Friday’s vote. The resolution expressed “deep regret and concern” over the veto of last month’s bid. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan condemned the vote, calling it an “immoral act” and shredding what appeared to be U.N. charters in protest. The official State of Palestine account thanked those who voted in favor of Palestinian self-determination and expressed gratitude for their support.
U.N. membership can only be approved by the Security Council, and Palestine was granted non-member observer status in 2012 after a failed attempt to become a full member in 2011. The renewed push for membership comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with the Palestinian Authority formally submitting a new request in early April. This request was vetoed on April 18, receiving 12 votes in favor and a U.S. veto, with the U.K. and Switzerland abstaining. The war has resulted in over 34,800 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
In a surprising interview with television personality Dr. Phil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed disagreements with the U.S. over the war in Gaza, as the White House halted bomb shipments to Israel this week. The international community continues to monitor the conflict and the diplomatic efforts surrounding Palestine’s bid for U.N. membership. The U.N. General Assembly’s approval of the draft resolution marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over Palestinian rights and representation within the global organization.
