WASHINGTON — On Thursday, the United States effectively halted the United Nations’ move to recognize Palestine as a state by exercising its veto power in the Security Council, thereby denying the Palestinian Authority full membership in the global organization.
The U.S. maintains that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state should be the result of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, rather than a decision made by the U.N.
The U.S. vetoed a draft resolution that proposed to the 193-member U.N. General Assembly that “the State of Palestine be admitted to membership of the United Nations.” Britain and Switzerland chose to abstain, while the other 12 council members voted in favor.
Currently, the Palestinians hold the status of a non-member observer state, a tacit acknowledgment of statehood granted by the U.N. General Assembly in 2012. However, to become a full U.N. member, approval is required from the Security Council and a minimum of two-thirds of the General Assembly.
The push for full U.N. membership by the Palestinians comes amidst a six-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and as Israel continues to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of supporting genuine efforts to establish lasting peace between Israel and a fully independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state, especially in light of recent escalations.
“Failure to make progress towards a two-State solution will only increase volatility and risk for hundreds of millions of people across the region, who will continue to live under the constant threat of violence,” Guterres warned.
Direct Negotiations
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan argued that the Palestinians failed to meet the criteria for full U.N. membership, which he listed as: a permanent population, defined territory, government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states.
Erdan questioned the Security Council’s decision, asking, “Who is the council voting to ‘recognize’ and give full membership status to? Hamas in Gaza? The Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Nablus? Who?”
He warned that granting full U.N. membership to Palestinians “will have zero positive impact for any party, that will cause only destruction for years to come, and harm any chance for future dialogue.”
The U.N. Security Council has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Palestinians aspire for a state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, all territories seized by Israel in 1967.
The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank. However, Hamas ousted the Palestinian Authority from power in Gaza in 2007.
Ziad Abu Amr, special envoy of Abbas, questioned the U.S.: “How could this damage the prospects of peace between Palestinians and Israelis? How could this recognition and this membership harm international peace and security?”
Abu Amr argued that those opposing the resolution are not aiding the prospects of peace between Palestinians and Israelis or peace in the Middle East in general.
Abu Amr clarified that full Palestinian U.N. membership was not a substitute for serious political negotiations to implement a two-state solution and resolve pending issues. He added, “However, this resolution will grant hope to the Palestinian people for a decent life within an independent state.”
Disagree – It’s important for the UN to acknowledge the rights and statehood of the Palestinian people. Blocking this only perpetuates the conflict and denies Palestinian self-determination.
Disagree – Blocking Palestinian statehood recognition goes against international efforts for peace and justice.
Disagree – Palestinian statehood should be recognized to promote peace and stability in the region.