Image Credits - Al Jazeera
The decades-long quest by the Palestinian people for an independent homeland faced an utterly familiar obstacle this week as the United States wielded its veto power to stop a United Nations bid to make them a full member state.
The failed attempt on Thursday came in the form of a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council by Algeria on behalf of Arab nations. It called for granting the Palestinian territories full UN membership and recognition as a sovereign state alongside Israel. Despite garnering support from 12 of the 15 council members, with only Britain and Switzerland abstaining, the resolution could not overcome the U.S. veto.
As one of five permanent members, an American “no” vote is enough to automatically defeat any measure before the UN’s most powerful body.
U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood defended the veto by insisting a negotiated two-state solution agreed upon by both sides remains the only legitimate path to the long-elusive goal of Palestinian statehood.
“President Biden has consistently emphasized that a lasting peace in the region hinges on a two-state solution reached through mutual agreement,” Wood told the council meeting. “This is the only path that ensures Israel’s security and its future as a democratic Jewish state, while also guaranteeing Palestinians can live in peace and dignity in their own state.”
He argued that prematurely conferring statehood, however well-intentioned, would not achieve that objective and could jeopardize the chances of reaching a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. “We have long been clear that a premature action here in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people,” Wood said.
The U.S. veto triggered outrage and condemnation from several other council members as well as Palestinian leaders who accused Washington of once again obstructing their legitimate aspirations through its long-held policy of unconditional support for Israel.
“The U.S. veto is a blatant attempt to resist the inevitable course of history,” stated Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya.
Palestinian representative Ziad Abu Amr pointedly questioned how the establishment of their own state could possibly undermine prospects for peace given that the same 1947 UN resolution that led to Israel’s creation also envisioned a Palestinian state.
“How could granting the state of Palestine full membership of the United Nations…damage the prospects of peace between Palestinians and Israelis or international peace?” Abu Amr asked the chamber.
Israel’s Ambassador Gilad Erdan adamantly opposed Palestinian membership, dismissing the notion that the territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority met the established criteria for an independent state.
While the decisive Security Council defeat was a stinging setback, the Palestinian leadership immediately vowed to continue vigorously pursuing their campaign for UN recognition and full membership rights. Around 140 of the 193 UN member states have already formally recognized Palestinian statehood.
However, failure at the Security Council means the Palestinian bid cannot automatically proceed to the UN General Assembly, where a two-thirds majority among the full membership would be required. Palestinian officials have not ruled out pursuing that route through a separate process.
As the impasse over establishing a sovereign Palestinian state drags on with no clear resolution, concerns continue to mount about the viability and continued prospects for a two-state solution alongside Israel. This is due largely to Israel’s continued expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank in territory that Palestinian leaders insist must be part of their future independent state.
By exercising its veto for the first time in six years on this issue, the U.S. reaffirmed its position as Israel’s most steadfast ally and protector on the global stage. However, the lopsided 12-1 vote also highlighted the depth of Washington’s isolation and alienation from traditional partners who overwhelmingly favour a more balanced approach facilitating Palestinian people’s aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination.