What difference could a full Palestinian UN membership make?
May 11, 2024
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Former UN Advisor, Palestinian National Initiative Secretary, and Chatham House Fellow discuss the implications of Palestine's UN membership bid amid US opposition. Topics include global support, hurdles in the Security Council, challenges in recognizing statehood, and Palestinian readiness for autonomy.
The UN resolution symbolizes global support for Palestinian statehood, highlighting the international consensus on the issue.
The US veto power remains a significant obstacle to Palestinian state recognition, underscoring the role of US influence in impeding peace efforts.
Deep dives
The Significance of the UN Resolution
The overwhelming passing of the UN resolution signifies a symbolic but crucial step towards the international recognition of Palestine as a state, with more than 140 states supporting this move. Despite the symbolic nature, this resolution sheds light on the global opinion in favor of Palestine's recognition. The main obstacle remains the US veto power, which obstructs Palestine's statehood and hinders peace process in the region.
Implications of Palestine's Enhanced Status
The enhanced status for Palestinians at the UN grants them additional rights and privileges, such as submitting proposals directly and being seated among member states. However, these advancements are deemed as incremental steps rather than substantial progress towards achieving Palestinian statehood. The US' consistent vetoing of Palestinian state recognition showcases its role as the primary obstruction to peace and sovereignty for Palestine.
Challenges and Hypocrisy Surrounding Palestinian Statehood
The obstacles facing Palestinian statehood extend to the hypocritical arguments made by the US and some European countries, highlighting the lack of genuine support for a two-state solution. The ongoing violence and occupation in Palestine, coupled with international apathy, emphasize the urgent need for concrete actions such as sanctions to halt further atrocities. The US stance, influenced by the Israel lobby, perpetuates the cycle of conflict and obstructs the path to a lasting peace agreement.
Overwhelming support at the UN General Assembly for Palestine's bid for full membership. It comes as condemnation of Israel's war on Gaza increases. But the US says it will veto the motion again at the Security Council. So what difference could the resolution make?
In this episode:
Jeffrey Sachs, Former Advisor, UN Secretary Generals.
Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary, Palestinian National Initiative.
Yossi Mekelberg, Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House.