NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will vote today (April 18) on the request to grant full statehood to Palestine.
Reports indicate that the 15-member Security Council will hold the vote at 3:00 pm. This follows a recommendation by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly to admit the State of Palestine into the United Nations.
To pass, a council resolution needs a minimum of nine votes in favor, with no vetoes from the US, UK, France, Russia, or China.
Diplomats anticipate potential support from 13 council members, which would force the US to exercise its veto power.
The vote was requested by Council member Malik Algeria during Thursday afternoon’s Security Council meeting on the Middle East, expected to be attended by several ministers.
The United States has reiterated its stance that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state should occur through direct negotiations between the parties, rather than in the United Nations.
It’s worth noting that since 2012, the Palestinian Authority has held the status of a non-member observer at the United Nations, though full membership has not been granted. 140 out of the 193 member states of the Security Council have recognized Palestine.
However, the process of becoming a full member of the United Nations necessitates approval by at least two-thirds of the General Assembly following Security Council approval.
