In a landmark decision that could reshape the dynamics of the Middle East, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that backs the Palestinian bid for full UN membership. This historic event marks a significant shift in the global stance towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UNGA, composed of representatives from 193 member nations, cast their votes on the resolution, resulting in a tally of 143 in favor, 9 against, and 25 abstentions. This decisive vote recognizes Palestine as qualified to join the UN and extends certain rights, although it does not grant full membership or voting rights.
“Voting ‘Yes’ is the right thing to do and I can assure you, you and your country for years to come will be proud to have stood for freedom, justice and peace in this darkest hour,” said Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s ambassador to the UN, before the vote.
The resolution comes amidst an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has been raging for seven months. The conflict has drawn international attention and concern, particularly due to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The resolution is seen as a resounding expression of world opinion in favor of Palestinian statehood, despite the complex and contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For a firsthand look at the historic event, watch the video below from Reuters. This footage provides live coverage of the UNGA session where the vote took place, offering viewers an inside look at this pivotal moment.
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member, recommending the UN Security Council ‘reconsider the matter favorably.’ The vote recognizes Palestinians as qualified to join the UN https://t.co/5z6YPfqKcP pic.twitter.com/5qBlszdcMc
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 11, 2024
However, the resolution has been met with opposition from certain quarters. The United States, a long-standing ally of Israel, voted against the resolution. The US mission to the UN warned that it would use its veto power if the question of Palestinian membership returned to the UN Security Council for another vote. This stance is in line with longstanding US legislation that requires the country to cut off funding to UN agencies that give full membership to a Palestinian state.
Israel’s envoy to the UN, Gilad Erdan, also voiced strong opposition to the resolution before the vote. “Today, I will hold up a mirror for you. You are shredding the UN charter with your own hands. Yes, yes, that’s what you’re doing. Shredding the UN charter. Shame on you,” he stated.
On the other hand, the Palestinian Authority has welcomed the resolution. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the resolution’s passage showed that “the world stands with the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people and against Israel’s occupation”.
The Palestinian envoy, Riyad Mansour, also highlighted the significance of the vote, pointing out that it was being held at a time when Rafah, the southernmost town and last haven for many Gazans, faced attack from Israeli forces.
“As we speak, 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah wonder if they will survive the day and wonder where to go next. There is nowhere left to go. I have stood hundreds of times before at this podium, often in tragic circumstances, but none comparable to the ones my people endured today … never for a more significant vote than the one about to take place, a historic one,” he said.
The implications of this resolution are far-reaching. It grants the Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024. Although it does not grant them a vote in the assembly, it gives the Palestinians a seat among the UN members in the assembly hall. This symbolic gesture is seen as a significant step towards recognizing Palestinian statehood.
The UNGA’s backing of the Palestinian bid for full UN membership marks a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the world watches, the hope for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict continues to burn brightly.
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