‘Doesn’t advance peace’: US explains opposition to UN vote to boost status of Palestinian mission

The US Mission to the UN issues a statement explaining why it will be voting against today’s General Assembly resolution to boost the standing of the Palestinian observer mission to the UN and urge the Security Council to reconsider its decision last month to reject an application to grant the mission full-member status.

“Since the attacks of October 7, President Biden has been clear that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with Israel’s security guaranteed, where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side by side with equal measures of freedom and dignity. It remains the US view that unilateral measures at the UN and on the ground will not advance this goal. The General Assembly resolution being debated today is no exception and so the United States will be voting “no” and encourages other Member States to do the same,” the US mission says.

“Efforts to advance this resolution do not change the reality that the Palestinian Authority does not currently meet the criteria for UN membership under the UN Charter.”

“This resolution also does not resolve the concerns about the Palestinian membership application raised previously in the Security Council through the Admissions Committee process. Should the General Assembly adopt this resolution and refer the Palestinian membership application back to the Security Council, we expect a similar outcome to what occurred in April,” the statement continues.

“Additionally, the draft resolution does not alter the status of the Palestinians as a ‘non-member state observer mission.’ Even if the resolution were adopted, the text explicitly outlines that the Palestinian non-member-state observer mission would not gain the right to vote in the General Assembly. It also would not gain the right to put forward candidates in UN organs or to be elected as a member of the Security Council.”

“Perhaps most importantly, adopting this resolution will not bring about a tangible change for Palestinians. It will not end the fighting in Gaza or provide food, medicine and shelter to civilians in Gaza. That is where US efforts are focused: brining about a ceasefire and the release of hostages, all while continuing to surge aid to Palestinians in Gaza who desperately need it.”