The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote next Friday on a resolution recognizing Palestinians’ eligibility for full membership in the international organization, potentially recommending the Security Council to “reconsider the matter positively.”
This serves as a global survey of the support Palestinians receive in their endeavor, which the United States vetoed to hinder in the Security Council last month.
Obtaining full membership in the United Nations requires approval from the 15-member Security Council and then the General Assembly.
What Does Full Membership Entail?
Diplomats suggest that the 193-member General Assembly is likely to support the Palestinian pursuit. However, changes could still be made to the draft after some diplomats raised concerns about the current text, which grants additional rights and privileges to Palestinians alongside full membership. Some diplomats argue that this could set a precedent for other situations, citing examples like Kosovo and Taiwan.
What Is Israel’s Stance?
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, condemned the current General Assembly resolution, stating that it would grant Palestinians actual status and state rights, contradicting the United Nations Charter.
Erdan stated, “If approved, I expect the United States to completely halt funding for the United Nations and its institutions, according to US law,” adding that the General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution would not change anything on the ground.
Earlier this week, United Nations Security Council announced holding a session on the mass graves discovered in Gaza, following a request from its Arab member, Algeria. The United Nations, through its Secretary-General, has called for an independent international investigation into the mass graves found within two hospitals in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian authorities, more than 20 victims were buried alive.
The recent conflict in Gaza has been marked by severe casualties and destruction, with alarming reports emerging about mass graves. The United Nations Security Council, responding to a request from Algeria, is set to discuss these mass graves which have sparked concerns about possible war crimes. Disturbing findings were reported at two hospitals in Gaza, where bodies were found buried under debris and waste, some with their hands tied, indicating brutal treatment of the victims
