Palestinians will seek full UN membership again, but U.S. is almost certain to block the request
PBS NewsHourMar 20
UN: US Vetoes Palestinian Push for Full Membership
Image copyright: John Lamparski/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The US vetoed a Palestinian request to the UN Security Council (UNSC) for full UN membership on Thursday, effectively blocking the world body from recognizing a Palestinian state.
The draft resolution, issued by Algeria, recommended that "the State of Palestine be admitted to membership" to the UN. 12 of the 15-member UNSC voted in favor while the UK and Switzerland abstained.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Apart from that, the Palestinian Authority failed to implement the reforms necessary for the US not to veto. Meanwhile, Gaza — an essential part of a possible Palestinian state — is ruled by the Hamas terror group. Peaceful coexistence cannot be dictated, and as long as Palestinian leaders support Hamas and refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist, there will be no Palestinian state.
Establishment-critical narrative
That the US was the only UNSC member to veto the draft once again exposes its alleged full support for a two-state solution as empty talk. Yet it's the US and the UK that are primarily responsible for the Middle East's mess through their century of interference and imperialism. Not only do two-thirds of UN members already recognize the state of Palestine, but granting it UN membership and a two-state solution is the only path to peace for both sides.