UN Grants Palestine Non-Member Observer State Status
Historic General Assembly vote recognizes Palestinian statehood despite fierce US and Israeli opposition
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly today to grant Palestine non-member observer state status, a historic diplomatic victory for Palestinians that comes exactly 65 years after the UN voted to partition Palestine.
The Vote
- In favor: 138 nations
- Against: 9 nations (US, Israel, Canada, Czech Republic, Panama, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau)
- Abstentions: 41 nations (including UK and Germany)
Abbas’s Victory Speech
President Mahmoud Abbas received a standing ovation as he declared: “The General Assembly is being asked today to issue the birth certificate of Palestine.”
He emphasized this was not aimed at delegitimizing Israel but rather “to affirm the legitimacy of a state that must now achieve its independence: Palestine.”
Immediate Implications
- Legal Status: Palestine can now join UN agencies and international treaties
- ICC Access: Potential to bring cases to International Criminal Court
- Diplomatic Weight: Enhanced standing in international forums
- Symbolic Victory: Recognition of Palestinian statehood by majority of world
Opposition Arguments
Israeli Response
Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “meaningless decision” that would push peace further away. Israel announced it would withhold tax revenues and advance settlement construction.
US Position
Ambassador Susan Rice warned the vote was “counterproductive” and would not create a state, insisting only direct negotiations could achieve peace.
European Split
The vote exposed deep European divisions:
- Yes votes: France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Belgium
- Abstentions: UK, Germany, Netherlands
- No votes: Czech Republic
Palestinian Celebrations
Thousands gathered in Ramallah, Gaza, and Palestinian communities worldwide to celebrate. Fireworks lit up the sky as Abbas’s speech was broadcast on giant screens.
Next Steps
Palestinians plan to:
- Join additional UN agencies
- Sign international conventions
- Consider ICC options carefully
- Return to negotiations from stronger position
Analysis
This vote represents:
- Failure of US efforts to block Palestinian diplomatic initiatives
- Growing international impatience with stalled peace process
- Palestinian strategic shift from negotiations to international law
- Potential legal complications for Israeli policies
While largely symbolic, the upgrade provides Palestinians with new diplomatic tools and represents their most significant achievement at the UN since gaining observer status in 1974.