UN Security Council fails to achieve consensus on Palestinian membership

Renewed efforts by Palestine for U.N. membership face likely opposition in a forthcoming Security Council vote, with the U.S. expected to wield its veto power

The United Nations Security Council failed to reach a consensus Thursday regarding the State of Palestine’s renewed bid for full U.N. membership.

Despite having observer status since 2012, Palestine seeks full membership, a move that would symbolize international recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Malta’s ambassador to the U.N. and current chair of the Security Council’s committee, Vanessa Frazier, confirmed the committee could not agree during its meeting in New York.

“There was no consensus,” Frazier stated, noting the division within the council, where the United States, a steadfast ally of Israel, possesses veto power.

She revealed that two-thirds of the committee members supported the membership application, but opposition from key nations remains significant.

The Palestinians have renewed their push for a formal vote by reviving their 2011 application.

This move coincides with heightened regional tensions and recent violence.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Algeria, representing Arab nations on the Council, plans to propose a formal vote on the membership bid on April 18.

Even if the application secures the necessary nine out of 15 votes, a U.S. veto is widely expected.

The U.S. maintains that Palestinian statehood should result from direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine rather than unilateral actions at the U.N.

“All we ask for is to take our rightful place among the community of nations,” Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters, emphasizing the desire for state recognition through established international mechanisms.

Source: Newsroom