The US vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Thursday that would have allowed Palestine to be admitted as a full member of the international body and effectively recognized its statehood. The Biden administration stated that while it supports Palestinian statehood, it believes it should only be granted through direct negotiations with Israel.
The resolution, which needed at least nine votes to pass and no vetoes from the five permanent members, received 12 votes in favor, two abstentions, and a US veto. Currently, Palestine only holds non-member observer status at the UN, which does not allow it to vote on resolutions.
The UN Security Council has previously voted in favor of resolutions calling on Israel to withdraw from occupied territories to pave the way for a future Palestinian state. However, Israel’s continued settlement building has made a two-state solution increasingly challenging.
The US has used its veto power in the past to block resolutions critical of Israel, including calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinian representatives expressed disappointment at the veto, emphasizing their desire for self-determination and an independent state.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN criticized the resolution, calling it a “prize to terrorists” and warning that it would hinder future negotiations. US rivals like China and Russia condemned the American veto, accusing the US of prioritizing Israel’s interests over Palestinian statehood.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in thousands of casualties, with large parts of Gaza facing a near-famine due to the ongoing siege. The debate over Palestinian statehood continues to be a contentious issue on the international stage.