New York – The United States exercised its veto power on Thursday to block a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution recommending Palestinian statehood. The resolution, supported by 12 members, failed due to the US veto and two abstentions.
The resolution aimed to secure full UN membership for Palestine, a move that requires approval from the UN General Assembly. To pass in the Security Council, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US).
Palestine's bid for statehood comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Palestine initially submitted its membership request in 2011, and this recent action asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reconsider it.
US: Direct Negotiations Path to Statehood
In a statement, US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Robert Wood, affirmed the US's support for a two-state solution but emphasized that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.Wood stressed that the US believes premature actions within the UN will not bring about Palestinian statehood. He raised concerns about whether Palestine meets the UN Charter's membership criteria and highlighted Hamas' presence in Gaza as a challenge to the envisioned two-state solution.
Ongoing Conflict Context
The vote occurred against the backdrop of the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas. Wood referenced this, noting that Hamas and its supporters would likely oppose a successful normalization and peace process.He also underscored the Biden administration's commitment to a peaceful, two-state solution.
