On May 10, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) overwhelmingly voted in favour of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership.
This move signified a significant development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Road to the Vote
The Palestinian push for UN membership came amidst a tense situation. A seven-month-long war between Israel and Hamas, a militant group ruling Gaza, had recently concluded. Additionally, Israel faced criticism for expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, a territory Palestinians claim for their future state.
The UN General Assembly Vote
The UNGA vote was a symbolic victory for Palestine. The resolution received 143 votes in favour, with nine against (including the US and Israel) and 25 abstentions. It did not grant immediate full membership but recognized Palestine as qualified to join and urged the Security Council to reconsider its application favourably.
Palestinian Perspective
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized the Palestinian desire for peace and freedom. He framed the vote as an endorsement of Palestinian existence and an investment in peace. He argued that a “yes” vote was the right thing to do.
Israeli Response
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan expressed strong disapproval. He accused the UNGA of disregarding the UN Charter and shredded a copy of the document in a dramatic gesture. He argued that Palestinians didn’t meet the criteria of “peace-loving states” as outlined in the Charter.
The Path Forward
Obtaining full UN membership requires approval from both the Security Council and the General Assembly. A US veto in the Security Council is likely again, highlighting the ongoing challenges for Palestinian statehood.
Additional Considerations
- The resolution grants the Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024, including a seat in the assembly hall (but no voting rights).
- The US voiced its disapproval of unilateral actions at the UN and reiterated its support for a two-state solution achieved through direct negotiations.
- The vote could potentially lead to funding cuts from the US to the UN.
Understanding the Context
- The UN supports a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine existing peacefully side-by-side.
- Palestinians claim the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem for their future state, all territories captured by Israel in 1967.
- The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza.
This detailed breakdown provides a deeper understanding of the Palestinian bid for UN membership, the surrounding tensions, and the potential implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
