In a significant move that signals a major snub to the US support for Israel, 143 countries voted in favor of a United Nations resolution to grant additional rights to Palestinians amidst the ongoing Gaza war. The vote took place at the United Nations General Assembly, with nine countries, including the US and Israel, voting against the resolution, while 25 countries abstained.
The resolution aims to allow Palestinians to submit their own resolutions and fully participate in UN and international conferences. It also recommends the Security Council to accept Palestine’s full membership at the United Nations. This move comes as Palestine has been seeking to become a full member of the world body, having held observer-state status since 2012.
The US had urged other member states to vote against the resolution, stating that it would not end the fighting in Gaza or provide essential aid to civilians in the region. The US has a long-standing policy of supporting Palestinian statehood only through direct negotiations with Israel and has previously blocked similar moves by the Palestinians at the UN.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the vote, stating that it confirms the world’s support for the freedom and rights of the Palestinian people. The vote comes amidst strained relations between Israel and the US, with President Joe Biden threatening to stop supplying certain weapons to Israel over its offensive in the Gaza strip. However, the US has pledged to continue providing defensive weapons to its ally.