The United States vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have paved the way for full U.N. membership for Palestine, receiving strong support from other countries in the Security Council. The resolution would have recommended approval by the U.N. General Assembly, where there are no vetoes, and the admission of Palestine as the 194th member of the United Nations. While the U.S. stated that the veto does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood, it emphasized that statehood can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties involved.
The U.S. has consistently stressed that premature actions in New York will not bring about statehood for the Palestinian people, opting for a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist peacefully. Despite the veto, Palestinian representatives remain determined and resolute, asserting that the state of Palestine is inevitable and real. This recent attempt at full U.N. membership marks the second effort by the Palestinians, following a failed attempt in 2011 due to lack of support in the Security Council.
The resolution was introduced by the Arab representative on the council and advocated for Palestine’s admission as a critical step towards rectifying a longstanding injustice. However, the U.S. highlighted unresolved questions regarding whether Palestine meets the criteria to be considered a state, particularly referencing the continued influence of Hamas in Gaza. While the international community acknowledges the commitment to a two-state solution, challenges remain in achieving peace and security for both sides.
Israeli-Palestinian negotiations have been at a standstill, with Israel’s right-wing government dominated by hard-liners opposed to Palestinian statehood. Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Erdan expressed concern that the resolution would be disconnected from the reality on the ground and contribute to further destruction and violence in the region. He accused the Security Council of rewarding perpetrators of violence with statehood, particularly in light of recent attacks and casualties.
Following the vote, Erdan thanked the U.S., especially President Biden, for standing up for truth and morality amidst what he described as hypocrisy and politics. He criticized the Palestinian Authority, referring to it as a terror-supporting entity that has not taken steps to condemn terrorism or promote peaceful coexistence. Despite the failure to meet the requirements for U.N. membership, Erdan noted that most council members supported the resolution, warning that this could further entrench Palestinian rejectionism and hinder prospects for peace in the region. The conflict between Israel and Palestine continues to be a prominent issue on the international stage, with no clear resolution in sight.
