India backs UN resolution for Palestinian full membership bid | Global News

In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on Friday supporting full membership of Palestine with an overwhelming majority of 143 votes in favor. The resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates, calls for the UN Security Council to give “favourable consideration” to the bid for Palestinian membership.

India, a key player in the vote, supported the resolution, reiterating its stance for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.

Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour highlighted the dire situation in war-torn Gaza, where 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah fear for their lives amidst threats of a major attack. Mansour expressed gratitude to protesters worldwide who have demonstrated against the Israel-Hamas conflict.

However, Israel swiftly condemned the resolution, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz calling it an “absurd decision” that rewards the actions of Hamas. The US also expressed skepticism, warning of a likely veto if Palestine requests full membership in the Security Council.

Despite the limitations of a General Assembly vote in conferring UN membership, the approved resolution grants the Palestinian Authority new procedural rights and privileges within the UN. Mansour confirmed that the Palestinian Authority will now seek full membership from the Security Council, setting the stage for further diplomatic negotiations and potential challenges ahead.