UN General Assembly to back Palestinian membership bid amid US opposition
- In Reports
- 08:48 PM, May 10, 2024
- Myind Staff
Following a US veto that thwarted the Palestinians' bid for full UN membership, the General Assembly is anticipated to confer additional rights upon them within the global body on 10th May 2024. This symbolic victory has already stirred dissatisfaction from Israel.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Palestinians revived their 2011 request for full UN membership in April. Currently recognised as a "non-member observer state," they sought Security Council approval followed by a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly to succeed.
However, the United States, holding veto power in the Security Council and being a close ally of Israel, blocked the initiative on April 18. Consequently, the Palestinians are redirecting their efforts to the General Assembly, where a resolution advocating for their full UN membership is expected to garner widespread support from diplomats and observers alike.
The draft resolution, presented by the United Arab Emirates, asserts that "the State of Palestine is eligible for membership in the United Nations in accordance with article 4 of the Charter and should consequently be admitted." It urges the Security Council to "reconsider the matter favourably." This resolution is part of ongoing efforts to advocate for the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
The prospect of Palestine gaining full membership in the United Nations appears unlikely, given the United States' stance against recognising statehood outside of a bilateral agreement between Palestine and Israel. Furthermore, Israel's current right-wing government staunchly opposes a two-state solution.
Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, warned of a potential "diplomatic doom loop," where the General Assembly repeatedly calls for the Security Council to grant Palestine membership, only for the United States to veto it. Nevertheless, the draft resolution still affords Palestinians certain "additional rights and privileges," which are expected to take effect in the upcoming session of the General Assembly, commencing in September.
The text of the resolution explicitly prohibits Palestinians from being selected to sit on the Security Council or casting votes in the General Assembly. However, it grants Palestinians the ability to directly submit proposals and amendments without needing intermediary support from another country, which is the current practice. Additionally, it affords them the right to be seated among member states in alphabetical order, enhancing their visibility and recognition within the General Assembly.
"When you build a building, you build it one brick at a time. If some think it’s symbolic, for us it’s important as we are moving forward towards our natural and legal right to be a full member of the UN," emphasised Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour during a press briefing on Thursday. Richard Gowan echoed this sentiment, noting, "The symbolism is what matters." He emphasised that the resolution serves as a clear message to Israel and the United States, urging them to recognise and address the issue of Palestinian statehood earnestly.
Israel has voiced criticism against the initiative, with Ambassador Gilad Erdan arguing that it would effectively grant the Palestinian Authority the privileges of a state and breach the UN Charter by circumventing the Security Council. Additionally, the United States has expressed reservations about the resolution. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood highlighted concerns about the precedent it establishes.
A previous version of the resolution was less specific, granting "the State of Palestine the rights and privileges" needed to participate in the General Assembly's work "on equal footing with Member States," without specifying these rights. The updated version aligns with the UN Charter, according to Samuel Zbogar, the ambassador of Slovenia, which currently holds a seat on the Security Council. Zbogar noted that the new version clearly outlines the additional rights Palestine will receive as an observer without encroaching upon elements reserved solely for member states.
As Israel continues its offensive in Gaza against Hamas in response to the October 7 attack, the UN vote will provide insight into which countries support the Palestinians. It may also indicate that, if not for the US veto, the Palestinians would have sufficient votes in the General Assembly for full UN membership. In December, 153 out of 193 countries supported a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Ten opposed it, including the United States, while 23 abstained.
Image Source: The Hill
Comments