US Vetoes Palestinian UN Membership Bid

• 19 Apr 2024

On 18th April, 2024, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution endorsing Palestinian full membership, amid global debate on the Palestinian statehood issue.

Key Points

• UN Security Council Vote: Council voted on Palestinian bid for full UN membership, with US casting the sole veto.
• Voting Outcome: Resolution received 12 votes in favor, with Switzerland and the UK abstaining.
• Membership Criteria: Resolution required at least nine Council members' approval without any veto from permanent members.
• Palestinian Status: Currently, Palestine holds the status of a "non-member observer state" at the UN since 2012.
• US Position: US Ambassador emphasized support for a two-state solution but asserts that Palestinian statehood should result from direct negotiations.
• Concerns Raised: US cites unresolved questions on Palestine's readiness for statehood, highlighting Hamas influence in Gaza.