Results for: Palestine

Palestine’s relentless pursuit of full membership in the United Nations remains hindered by geopolitical calculations, primarily influenced by the United States’ veto power in the UN Security Council. Despite the General Assembly’s reaffirmation of Palestine’s eligibility, the path to membership continues to be obstructed by the procedural requirement for Security Council recommendation. While India and other countries support Palestine’s application, the US’s consistent vetoes and apprehension from China and Russia over potential precedents cloud the prospects for Palestine’s full recognition as a UN member state.

Spain’s Cabinet has officially recognized a Palestinian state, signaling a deepening rift between the European Union and Israel. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the historic decision on May 28th, stating its aim to facilitate peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Ireland and Norway also followed suit, recognizing Palestine later that day.

The White House responded to the decision of Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognize a Palestinian state, reiterating President Biden’s support for a “two-state solution” and expressing concern over Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that each country has the right to make its own determinations but emphasized the U.S. position that a two-state solution should be achieved through direct negotiations rather than unilateral recognition.

Sullivan explained that President Biden believes a two-state solution is the best way to bring about long-term security and stability for Israel, the Palestinians and Arabs in the region.

He also highlighted the potential for regional integration between Israel and moderate Arab states but acknowledged the growing chorus of voices supporting Palestinian recognition, which the U.S. views as a concern for Israel’s long-term security.

Sullivan condemned Israel’s decision to withhold tax revenue from the Palestinian Authority in retaliation for the European countries’ recognition of Palestine, calling it wrong and counterproductive to the search for security and prosperity in the region.

Ireland, Spain, and Norway have officially recognized Palestine as a state, a move that has drawn mixed reactions. The decision comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with heavy fighting and civilian casualties reported on both sides. The move has been welcomed by Palestinian authorities but criticized by Israel and some Western nations. It remains to be seen what impact the recognition will have on the ongoing negotiations for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meanwhile, both sides continue to call for a ceasefire and international intervention to resolve the crisis.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered the recall of Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway after both countries announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. Katz condemned the recognition as a reward for terrorism and threatened to recall Israel’s ambassador to Spain if it takes a similar position. Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but mirrors its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Since the first Oslo agreement was signed in 1993, Norway says the Palestinians have taken important steps towards a two-state solution and have built up national institutions to provide the population with important services.

In a significant rebuke of President Biden’s policy towards Israel, several House Democrats joined Republicans in passing the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. The bill condemns the administration’s withholding of offensive aid to Israel and mandates the expeditious delivery of previously approved weapons shipments. The move highlights growing concerns within the Democratic Party over Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Eurovision 2024, held in Malmö, Sweden, was marred by controversy over Israel’s participation. Despite the victory of Swiss singer Nemo, Israel’s performance drew significant attention and criticism due to the ongoing conflict with Palestine. While some users condemned Israel’s presence, others defended the country, arguing against discrimination based on identity.

In a significant setback to the United States’ support for Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict, 143 countries voted in favor of a United Nations resolution that seeks to expand rights for Palestinians. The move sends a clear message that the world stands with the Palestinian people and rejects Israel’s occupation of their lands. On Friday, the UN General Assembly held a vote on the resolution. Nine nations, including the US and Israel, voted against it while 25 abstained. The resolution calls for allowing Palestinians to initiate their own resolutions and fully participate in UN and global gatherings. Palestine has been an observer since 2012 and has been seeking full membership in the UN. Notably, the resolution urged the Security Council to accept Palestine’s full membership, a move the US had previously blocked. This outcome signifies a strain in relations between the US and Israel and a potential shift in US policy towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In a dramatic display of protest, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, shredded a copy of the UN Charter at the General Assembly over the passage of a resolution supporting full membership for Palestine. India, meanwhile, backed the resolution.

Erdan called the resolution a “clear violation” of the UN Charter, claiming that it undermines the US veto in the Security Council. He shredded the Charter as a symbol of his protest, stating, “This day will go down in infamy… I want to hold up a mirror for you, so you can see exactly what you are inflicting upon the UN Charter with this destructive vote. You are shredding the UN Charter with your own hands.”

The UNGA resolution, passed by a majority of 143 votes, including India, asks the Security Council to grant Palestine, which currently has observer status, full membership. The resolution argues that Palestine meets the requirements for membership under Article 4 of the UN Charter. However, Israel, the US, and several other nations voted against the resolution.

Erdan also criticized the resolution for opening up the UN to “modern day Nazis” and accused Hamas of being a terrorist organization. He presented an image of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, as the potential future president of a UN-backed Palestinian state.

India’s support for the resolution contrasts with the US’s opposition. Last month, the US used its veto power to block a similar resolution in the UN Security Council. The Trump administration believes that the issue of Palestinian statehood should be resolved through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

This news article highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding the issue of Palestinian statehood and the role of international organizations like the UN in resolving it.

On Friday, India supported a UN General Assembly resolution affirming Palestine’s eligibility and recommending its admission as a full member. This move follows the US veto of a similar Security Council resolution in April. The resolution emphasizes Palestine’s compliance with UN Charter requirements and urges the Security Council to reconsider the matter positively. Notably, India has a long history of recognizing Palestine, having established diplomatic relations since 1974.