The White House defended the United States’ decision to oppose a U.N. resolution in support of Palestinian statehood, stating that such a measure should be negotiated in the Middle East. Despite this, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that Palestinians qualify for full membership at the U.N., seen as a rebuke of Israel and the U.S. amid the Israel-Hamas war. The White House remains committed to a two-state solution and an independent state for the Palestinian people, emphasizing that direct negotiations with the parties are the best way to achieve this goal.
Amid the war in Gaza, where over 34,000 people have died, the ties between the U.S. and Israel are being tested. The U.S. is the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel, and President Biden is using this leverage to prevent a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah, a city where many Palestinians have sought refuge. A shipment of bombs to Israel has been halted, with the threat of withholding artillery if Israel proceeds with the invasion, despite Israel’s argument that it needs to do so in order to finish destroying Hamas, responsible for a recent terrorist attack on Israel.
The U.N. resolution passed does not establish a Palestinian state, but it does recognize Palestine as qualified for full-member status at the U.N., pending approval by the Security Council. The U.S. has previously used its veto power on the council to block cease-fire resolutions in Gaza. The resolution, sponsored by the United Arab Emirates and supported by 70 countries, grants Palestinians new privileges such as speaking at meetings on any topic, submitting proposals, and amendments. The resolution calls for the Security Council to reconsider the matter with a favorable outcome.
Despite the U.S.’s opposition to the resolution, President Biden remains committed to a Palestinian state and a two-state solution. The focus is on direct negotiations between the parties involved in reaching a peaceful resolution. The ties between the U.S. and Israel are being tested amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the U.S. using its influence as a major weapons supplier to prevent further escalation. The recognition of Palestine’s qualifications for full member status at the U.N. is a step toward achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
The U.N. General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution declaring that Palestine is qualified for U.N. membership marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region. The resolution, prepared by the United Arab Emirates and supported by 70 countries, calls for the Security Council to reconsider the matter with a favorable outcome. The passing of the resolution was met with applause, highlighting international support for recognizing Palestine’s status and the need for continued efforts towards peace and stability in the region.
