The United States vetoed a UN Security Council application granting statehood to Palestinians on Thursday. The vote resulted in a 12-1 outcome, with the US being the sole dissenting vote, and two countries abstaining from the decision.
The US, a key ally of Israel, expressed its stance that statehood for Palestinians should be achieved through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The State Department deputy spokesperson emphasized the US's consistent position that premature actions in New York would not lead to statehood for the Palestinian people.
The US also highlighted the lack of unanimity regarding whether the applicant met the criteria for state membership. On the other hand, the special representative of the Palestinians questioned how recognizing Palestine as a state and granting it full UN membership would hinder the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.
Israel's Foreign Minister praised the US for vetoing what he termed a 'shameful proposal.' He emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state shortly after significant violent incidents was seen as rewarding terrorism. The Foreign Minister reiterated Israel's commitment to combatting terrorism until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages in Gaza are freed.
