Decision doesn’t give Palestine full UN membership, however recognises them as certified to affix and extends rights.
The United Nations Basic Meeting (UNGA) has backed a Palestinian bid to develop into a full UN member by recognising it as certified to affix and recommending the UN Safety Council “rethink the matter favourably”.
The vote by the 193-member UNGA on Friday was a world survey of assist for the Palestinian bid to develop into a full UN member – a transfer that may successfully recognise a Palestinian state – after the United States vetoed it within the UN Safety Council final month.
The meeting adopted a decision on Friday with 143 votes in favour and 9 in opposition to – together with the US and Israel – whereas 25 nations abstained. It doesn’t give the Palestinians full UN membership, however merely recognises them as certified to affix.
The UNGA decision “determines that the State of Palestine … ought to subsequently be admitted to membership” and it “recommends that the Safety Council rethink the matter favourably”.
Whereas the UNGA alone can’t grant full UN membership, the draft decision on Friday will give the Palestinians some extra rights and privileges from September 2024 – like a seat among the many UN members within the meeting corridor – nevertheless it won’t be granted a vote within the physique.
Reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo mentioned it was important that such a excessive variety of nations voted in favour of the decision.
“What we had been listening to earlier than the vote was wherever maybe between 120, 130 – at prime finish, 140. The truth that they bought 143 meets and exceeds all expectations. It’s been overwhelmingly handed,” he mentioned.
“However they nonetheless solely have observer standing.”
The Palestinian push for full UN membership comes seven months right into a struggle between Israel and Hamas within the Gaza Strip, and as Israel is increasing unlawful settlements within the occupied West Financial institution.
Previous to the vote, Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s ambassador to the UN instructed the UNGA that “voting ‘Sure’ is the precise factor to do and I can guarantee you, you and your nation for years to come back shall be proud to have stood for freedom, justice and peace on this darkest hour.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas mentioned the decision’s passage confirmed that the world stands with the rights and freedom of the Palestinian individuals, and in opposition to Israel’s occupation.
“I feel strategically talking, this [the vote] is just not going to make any distinction to Gaza,” Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara mentioned.
“It’s way more symbolic. It is a crucial milestone for Palestine for attaining standing on the planet area.”
Full results of the vote on enhancing @Palestine_UN‘s membership on the UN. pic.twitter.com/ejLHzz4P4M
— Rami Ayari (@Raminho) Might 10, 2024
In the meantime, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, condemned the vote and mentioned that the UN is now welcoming a “terror state” into its ranks.
“The United Nations was based with the mission of making certain such tyranny [of the Nazis] by no means raises its ugly head once more,” he mentioned.
“At this time, you’re about to do the precise reverse and advance the institution of a Palestinian terror state, which shall be led by the Hitler of our instances.”
An utility to develop into a full UN member first must be permitted by the 15-member Safety Council after which the UNGA. If the measure is once more voted on by the council it’s prone to face the identical destiny: a US veto.
Bishara mentioned that stances in the direction of the US doubtless affected Friday’s vote.
“I feel variety of votes [in favour] had been in opposition to the US as a lot as they had been for Palestine, and I feel variety of votes had been abstaining underneath stress from the US.”
