The United States has vetoed a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council, which called for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations. The U.S. was the only country to vote against it. Twelve members voted in favor, with the U.K. and Switzerland abstaining.

New York

The United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, blocking a resolution that would have admitted Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. The draft resolution received broad support, with 12 of the 15 Council members voting in favor. The United Kingdom and Switzerland chose to abstain, making the U.S. the sole nation to oppose the bid.

In defense of its decision, the U.S. questioned Palestine's eligibility for U.N. membership, citing a lack of consensus among members of the Admission Committee regarding whether Palestine fulfills the criteria outlined in Article 4 of the U.N. Charter. This veto places the U.S. in a visibly isolated position on the global stage regarding the Palestinian quest for statehood.

During the proceedings, the sentiment of international support for Palestine was palpable, with numerous council members expressing their backing. A notable statement from Guyana highlighted unwavering support for Palestine, emphasizing the belief that U.N. membership for Palestine would contribute not only to the authority and dignity of the Palestinian people but also to the broader goal of peace in the region.

The aftermath of the U.S. veto saw emotional reactions within the U.N., particularly during remarks from Palestine's ambassador, who articulated his people's desire for freedom, dignity, and recognition in their national homeland. His speech elicited a visibly moved response from those present in the chamber.

In a broader context, the session also addressed the dire situation in Gaza, characterized as a humanitarian crisis by the secretary-general. With ongoing conflict and restrictions on aid, the Palestinian population faces severe hardships, underlining the urgency of finding a sustainable solution to their plight.

This vote and the discussions surrounding it were part of a lengthy session at the U.N. that focused extensively on Palestine's bid for membership and the current humanitarian challenges facing its population. Despite the strong international support for Palestine's U.N. membership, the outcome underscores the decisive role of the U.S. position in the matter.



U.S. vetoes Palestinian bid for U.N. membership

those against. A single raised hand signaling the United States veto, which ended Palestine's aspirations to become a full member of the United Nations, also showing how isolated America has become on the issue. They were the only no vote. The U.K. and Switzerland abstained while the 12 other council members all voted in favor of Palestine to the Palestinian people. Guyana will never abandon you. We will continue to use her voice until justice is served. Granting membership in the U.N. to Palestine could be an important step towards peace. It would strengthen the role of the Palestinian Authority and would contribute to the security of Israel as well. In remarks after the U.S. veto, Palestine's ambassador gathered himself as he talked about his people's quest for dignity and acceptance. The chamber sat silent. Some diplomats were seen wiping away tears as he spoke. We love life, to live in freedom and dignity in our national homeland. We will not disappear. Either you deal with us with fairness and give us our rights or give us our rights. The United States justified its veto by casting doubt on Palestine's qualifications. As reflected in the report of the Admission Committee, there was not unanimity among committee members as to whether the applicant met the criteria for membership as set forth in Article 4 of the U.N. Charter. Earlier in the day, in a separate council session open to all U.N. member states, the secretary-general briefed the council on the reality on the ground. In Gaza, six and a half months of Israeli military operations have created a humanitarian hellscape. Tens of thousands of people have been killed. Two million Palestinians have endured death, destruction and the denial of life-saving humanitarian aid, and they are now staring down on salvation. It was a long day of more than five hours of speeches on Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, followed by nearly two more hours focused on Palestine's bid to join 193 other countries and become a full member of the United Nations. But despite overwhelming support, it's now abundantly clear it likely won't happen until the United States changes its position. Gabriel Azando, Al Jazeera, at the United Nations in New York.

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