UN Votes in Favor of Palestine's Status Upgrade, Sparking Discontent in Israel and US

Resolution Paves the Way for Full UN Membership for Palestine

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) witnessed a tense atmosphere as Israel opposed a Palestinian move to attain full UN membership. The assembly passed a resolution that sets the 'State of Palestine' on the track towards potential full membership, with 143 votes in favor and 9 against, including the US and Israel. The resolution recognizes Palestine as "qualified to join" and the resolution text is essentially a global survey on the contentious issue of full membership.

UN Security Council Urged to Reconsider Palestine's Membership

The newly adopted resolution urges the UN Security Council to "reconsider the matter favorably." Palestine has held the status of a non-member observer state since 2012. However, the General Assembly now "determines that the State of Palestine…should therefore be admitted to membership " and it “recommends that the Security Council reconsider the matter favorably," as per the resolution text.

Additional Procedural Rights Granted to Palestine

Friday's vote also resulted in the granting of a few more procedural rights to Palestine. As the Times of Israel reports, "The General Assembly resolution adopted on Friday does give the Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024 — like a seat among the UN members in the assembly hall — but they will not be granted a vote in the body."

Israel and US Express Discontent

Israel has expressed its displeasure with the decision. In a dramatic display, the Israeli ambassador to the UN used a paper shredder to shred the UN charter on the podium of the UN general assembly. Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, also criticized the decision, calling it a "prize for Hamas" in a statement released by his office.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the move does nothing to promote peace. She emphasized that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist with equal measures of freedom and dignity. She also stated that the Palestinian Authority does not currently meet the criteria for UN membership under the UN Charter.

Spain and Ireland to Recognize Palestinian State

In Europe, Spain and Ireland are the latest countries preparing to recognize a Palestinian state, a decision that has sparked controversy. The US has consistently voted against such efforts at the UN and the Security Council.

As we reflect on these developments, it's clear that the path to peace and coexistence in the region is fraught with complexities. What are your thoughts on the UN's decision to elevate Palestine's status? Share your thoughts and discuss this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.