The UN General Assembly is set to vote today on an Arab Group-crafted resolution that aims to provide new “rights and privileges” to Palestine and urges the Security Council to reconsider its request for UN membership positively, aiming to become the 194th member of the United Nations.
This vote follows the recent US veto of a council resolution that had substantial support, which would have paved the way for Palestine’s full UN membership.
According to the UN Charter, the Security Council must recommend prospective members for approval by the General Assembly. Palestine has held the status of a UN non-member observer state since 2012.
US deputy ambassador Robert Wood emphasized the importance of following the established process for attaining full UN membership, which involves negotiations with Israel. However, unlike the Security Council, where vetoes can occur, the General Assembly’s 193-member body is anticipated to approve the resolution by a significant majority.
