UN Condemns Violence in Middle East as Palestinian Authority Seeks Full Member Status

On Thursday, April 18, the UN Security Council met to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian Authority’s request for full member status in the United Nations. Currently, the PA holds observer status. In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the Middle East is on the brink of a devastating conflict and urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint.

Guterres condemned recent attacks by Iran on Israel and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Damascus, emphasizing the urgent need to break the cycle of violence. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanded that all hostages held in the strip be released. The Secretary-General also expressed concern about the volatile situation in Jerusalem, where tensions have been escalating between Palestinians and Israelis.

During the meeting, discussions focused on a draft resolution proposed by Algeria on behalf of Arab states to grant full membership to the Palestinian Authority. However, reports emerged that the US government planned to veto this resolution, citing concerns over direct negotiations between Israel and Palestinians as a necessary step towards achieving lasting peace.

The decision on whether or not to grant full member status to the PA requires support from at least nine out of fifteen members without any veto from permanent members (the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China). Despite this requirement, some countries voiced opposition to granting full membership due to concerns about potential instability in the region and a lack of progress towards a two-state solution.