Security Council to vote Thursday on Palestinian state UN membership
The UN Security Council will vote Thursday on the Palestinians' application to become a full member state of the United Nations, several diplomatic sources told media.
Against the backdrop of Israel's military operations in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority revived its longstanding application for UN membership, originally submitted in 2011. However, the United States, wielding its veto power, has voiced opposition to this move.
The Arab Group, a regional bloc, released a statement on Tuesday reaffirming its steadfast backing of the Palestinian bid. The statement emphasized that UN membership for Palestine is a significant stride toward a fair and enduring resolution of the Palestinian issue in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Algeria, currently serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, has put forward a resolution that "recommends" the admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations to the General Assembly.
The timing of the Thursday vote coincides with a previously scheduled Security Council session to discuss the situation in Gaza, which is expected to be attended by ministers from several Arab nations.
According to Palestinian sources, 137 out of the 193 UN member states have already extended recognition to a Palestinian state. This widespread support raises expectations that the Palestinian Authority's membership request will garner significant backing in the General Assembly.