The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved resolution to reconsider and support State of Palestine membership in UN by wide majority. UNGA also overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution granting Palestine additional rights. The resolution, passed by a more than two-thirds majority, also urges the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s application for full membership.
The decision was hailed by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as reflecting “a historical reality and truth on the ground,” recognizing the rights of Palestinians who have endured decades of occupation. The statement, further, called on nations to recognize the Palestinian state and support the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as its capital.
While the resolution falls short of granting full voting rights, it expands Palestine’s role within the UN. Palestine will now be able to introduce and co-sponsor proposals, raise procedural motions, and be seated among member states in the General Assembly.
This development comes after a previous attempt in April to secure full membership through the Security Council was blocked by a US veto. The current resolution is expected to be submitted for another vote within the Security Council.
The UNGA vote coincides with ongoing international condemnation of the Israeli military actions in Gaza. Since October 2023, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives, injured tens of thousands, and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure.
Egypt’s statement also urged the UN Security Council and international actors to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly the city of Rafah. This comes as Israel’s control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt restricts critical humanitarian aid from reaching the besieged population. The UNGA’s decision signifies growing international support for Palestinian rights and renewed efforts towards a two-state solution.
