Muscat: The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly supported Palestine’s quest for full UN membership, highlighting a shift in international sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Oman’s endorsement of this decision reflects its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
The assembly adopted a resolution on Friday with 143 votes in favour and nine against — including the US and Israel — while 25 countries abstained. It does not give the Palestinians full UN membership but simply recognizes them as qualified to join.
Oman said the recognition of the State of Palestine will pave the way for the two-state solution and the establishment of peace in accordance with international resolutions.
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While the vote does not grant full UN membership to Palestine immediately, it symbolizes a significant step towards greater recognition and rights for the Palestinian people on the global stage.
“We want peace, we want freedom,” Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote. “A yes vote is a vote for Palestinian existence, it is not against any state… It is an investment in peace.”
The 15-member Security Council must first approve an application to become a full UN member and then the General Assembly. If the council again votes on the measure, it is likely to face the same fate: a US veto.
The General Assembly’s resolution, effective from September 2024, grants Palestine additional rights and privileges within the UN framework, underscoring the ongoing commitment to advancing the Palestinian cause and addressing key humanitarian and political challenges in the region.
