UN Assembly Votes 143-9 to Grant Palestine New Rights; U.S. Opposes

May 10, 2024, 03:51 PM

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution granting Palestine new rights and privileges, including a recommendation for the Security Council to reconsider its bid for full membership. The resolution, which was adopted with a vote of 143 in favor, 9 against (including the U.S. and Israel), and 25 abstentions, marks a significant step towards full membership for Palestine, which has held non-member observer status since 2012. The U.S. opposed the resolution, with a spokesperson warning of a potential veto should the Security Council vote on Palestine's full membership. Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan protested by shredding a copy of the UN Charter during the assembly, symbolizing his disapproval of the resolution. France expressed support for Palestine's full membership.