May 24, 2024
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY VOTE ON PALESTINE
1. What was the recent UNGA vote about?
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) voted overwhelmingly in favor of supporting Palestine’s bid to become a full UN member. The resolution, which received 143 votes in favor including India , 9 against (including the US and Israel), and 25 abstentions, recognizes Palestine as qualified to join the UN and recommends that the UN Security Council reconsider the matter favorably.
2. What are the implications of this resolution?
While the resolution does not grant full UN membership to Palestine, it recognizes Palestine as qualified to join. It also upgrades Palestine’s rights at the UN as an Observer State. The resolution urges the Security Council to give “favorable consideration” to Palestine’s membership request.
3. What changes in status does this resolution bring about for Palestine?
The resolution upgrades Palestine’s rights within the UN, allowing it to be seated among Member States in alphabetical order, make statements on behalf of a group, submit proposals and amendments, and introduce them. However, Palestine will not have the right to vote or put forward its candidature to organs like the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). These changes will take effect with the new session of the Assembly.
4. What is the current status of Palestine’s recognition?
Currently, over 140 countries have recognized Palestine as a state, representing more than two-thirds of the UN membership. The upgrades in status from the recent resolution will take effect when the new session of the Assembly opens.
5. How did Israel respond to these developments?
Israel, which opposes international moves to legitimize the Palestinians, quickly responded by recalling its ambassadors to Ireland, Norway, and Spain. Israel often reacts to such decisions by summoning ambassadors of the concerned countries and punishing the Palestinians, such as by freezing tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority.
6. Why is the recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and Norway significant?
Recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and Norway enhances Palestine’s international standing and increases pressure on Israel to negotiate an end to the conflict. This recognition could inspire other EU countries to follow suit and potentially lead to further steps at the UN, deepening Israel’s isolation.
In summary, the recognition of Palestine by Spain, Ireland, and Norway is a significant step towards Palestinian statehood. This move could shift the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and influence other countries and international bodies.
SRIRAM’s
