Palestinian Authority President Criticizes US Veto of UN Membership Bid
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to veto the Palestinian request for full United Nations membership. In an interview with the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas described the US action as a “blatant aggression” against the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood. Abbas accused the United States of violating international laws and reneging on its promises and commitments regarding the two-state solution and achieving peace in the region. He also expressed concern that the US administration’s positions have generated unprecedented anger among the Palestinian people and in the region, potentially leading to greater instability, chaos, and terrorism. The US veto came in response to a resolution proposing the Palestinian request for full UN membership. The State Department’s deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, stated that the US has consistently emphasized that premature actions in New York, even with good intentions, will not result in statehood for the Palestinian people. The Palestinian Authority has been seeking recognition as a full member state since 2011. Currently, it holds a non-member observer state status, which was granted in November 2012. It is worth noting that the US does not currently have an official diplomatic relationship with the Palestinian Authority. This latest development underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution. The US veto has further strained relations between the Palestinian Authority and the United States, highlighting the need for continued international efforts to promote dialogue and find a sustainable solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
