The United Nations Security Council has reignited the Palestinian Authority’s hopes of becoming a full member of the United Nations, but the United States has thrown a wrench in their plans. The U.S., as one of the five permanent members with veto power, stated that the Palestinian Authority must first gain control over all Palestinian territories and negotiate statehood with Israel before being granted full membership.
The Palestinian Authority currently administers parts of the West Bank, but has no control over Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas. Despite years of failed peace talks, the Palestinians have turned to the United Nations to achieve their dream of an independent state. However, Israel views these actions as an attempt to bypass the negotiation process.
Supporters of the Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership have urged the Security Council to reconsider the application submitted in 2011. Meanwhile, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Gilad Erdan, dismissed the possibility of Palestinian statehood, framing the issue as a matter of Israel’s survival.
The Security Council is set to make a formal decision on Palestinian U.N. membership this month, with a committee meeting scheduled for Thursday. The current Security Council president, Malta’s U.N. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, will oversee the proceedings as the world watches to see how this longstanding conflict unfolds on the international stage.