A high-ranking US official has announced that during Thursday’s voting session, the United States will block a request from Palestine for comprehensive membership of the United Nations (UN). This move effectively stymies the worldwide acknowledgement of an independent Palestinian state. The official stated the US is of the opinion that the most efficient way for Palestinians to gain their own state involves direct discussions with Israel, backed by the US and other allies.
The resolution calling for Palestine to be admitted as a UN member will be voted on by the 15-member UN Security Council. This proposal then needs to be forwarded to the 193-strong UN General Assembly. For the resolution to carry, at least nine votes in favour are required, along with no veto from the permanent members of the Security Council – the US, Britain, France, Russia or China. Some diplomats suggest that up to 13 Council members may be in support of the measure, thereby coercing the US to employ its veto power.
The US stands firm in its belief that early actions in New York, even with best intentions, wouldn’t succeed in achieving full statehood for the Palestinians. Currently, the UN lists Palestinians as a non-member observer state, effectively acknowledging their statehood. This change occurred in 2012. To obtain full UN membership, approval needs to be secured from the Security Council and then ratified by a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly.
Outlining recent movements, this bid from Palestine for complete UN membership comes amidst a half-year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and alongside a push by Israel to expand settlements in the West Bank. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, stressed in a Security Council meeting that given the current upsurges, it’s pivotal to back genuine peace-building efforts between Israel and an autonomous Palestinian state.
The lack of progress towards a two-state solution will only heighten tension and pose a threat to millions of people in the region, who live under the constant fear of conflict, Guterres said. The Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, raised questions at the Security Council regarding Palestine’s eligibility for UN membership, citing the criteria of a permanent population, defined territory, government, and the ability to build relationships with other nations. He questioned whom the council intended to ‘recognise’, implying uncertainty regarding the Palestinian leadership in contention.
The statement that giving Palestinians complete United Nations membership “will bring absolutely no benefits to any party, and will only lead to destruction in the coming years, jeopardising any opportunity for future conversation” was made clear.
For years, the United Nations Security Council has backed the concept of two independent states living in harmony within recognised and secure boundaries. Palestinians desire their own state, encompassing the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, territories which were seized by Israel in 1967.
The Palestinian Authority, currently led by President Mahmoud Abbas, practices moderate self-governance in the West Bank. However, in 2007, Hamas displaced the Palestinian Authority from its rule in Gaza.
Ziad Abu Amr, the special delegate of Mr Abbas, questioned the United States on how such recognition and membership could destroy the possibilities for peace between Palestinians and Israelis or jeopardise international peace and security in general.
Abu Amr addressed the Security Council and declared that those who try to obstruct the adoption of this resolution are not contributing to the peace prospects between the Palestinians, Israelis or the broader Middle East.
Abu Amr further stated that bestowing full UN membership to Palestinians was not a substitute for earnest political negotiations to institute a dual-state resolution and tackle standing matters. He added, “However, this resolution will provide hope to the Palestinian people for a dignified life within a sovereign state.” – Reuters
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