U.S. Vetoes Draft Resolution on Palestinian UN Membership

UN Headquarters, New York City - April 18, 2024 Storyline: The United States on Thursday voted against a Palestinian request to the United Nations Security Council for full U.N. membership, blocking the world body's recognition of a Palestinian state. The 15-member council voted on a draft resolution that recommends to the 193-member U.N. General Assembly that "the State of Palestine be admitted to membership of the United Nations." The draft resolution received 12 votes in favor, two abstentions from the UK and Switzerland, and one vote against. A council resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no veto by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass. The United States was compelled to use its veto power after the draft secured 12 votes in favor. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations initially requested full U.N. member state status in 2011. Their first attempt failed because they did not receive the necessary minimum support of nine out of the 15 members of the Security Council. Following their initial setback, the Palestinians approached the U.N. General Assembly where, in November 2012, they successfully achieved an upgrade of their status from "U.N. observer" to "non-member observer state" by securing more than a two-thirds majority vote. This elevation in status enabled the Palestinian territories to join various U.N. and international organizations, such as the International Criminal Court. Earlier this month, Palestine's renewed request for full member state status at the United Nations was evaluated by the U.N. Committee on the Admission of New Members. This revival of their membership bid in early April was supported by the 140 countries that recognize Palestine as an independent state. Shotlist: FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown: 1. U.N. headquarters; 2. U.N. flag; 3. U.N. emblem; UN Headquarters, New York City - April 18, 2024: 4. Various of UN Security Council voting on Palestine's UN membership; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to United Nations and President of Security Council for April: "The result of the vote is as follows: 12 votes in favor, one vote against, two abstentions. The draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council." FILE: Bethlehem, Palestine - Nov 14, 2019: 6. Flag of Palestin FILE: Ramallah, Palestine - June 14, 2023: 7. Various of pedestrians; clothing stores. [RESTRICTIONS: No access Chinese mainland/ For news purpose only/No archive/Not for other production use] ( Original Title: U.S. votes Palestinian request for full U.N. membership at Security Council )