Palestine’s bid to be admitted as a full member of the United Nations (UN) may be blocked by the United States. This as the body’s Security Council is set to vote on Thursday.
Speaking in an interview on Salaamedia, Imraan Subrathie, secretary general at United for Palestine, said: “It is now more than ever before necessary to secure the future of the people of Palestine to give them their sovereign recognition”.
Since 2012, Palestine has held non-member observer status at the UN. Apartheid Israel, meanwhile, has been a member state since 1949.
Despite feigning a commitment to a two-state solution, the US looks set to veto the application – which means the statehood bid fails before it can even been considered by the broader General Assembly.
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US opposition
The Intercept reported a leaked cable revealed the US’ intention to oppose Palestinian statehood when it is put to the vote on Thursday. It maintains such a bid would only be supported after Palestine negotiates with their occupier.
“It remains the US view that the most expeditious path toward a political horizon for the Palestinian people is in the context of a normalisation agreement between Israel and its neighbours,” the cable, dated 12 April, reads. “We believe this approach can tangibly advance Palestinian goals in a meaningful and enduring way.”
“We therefore urge you not to support any potential Security Council resolution recommending the admission of ‘Palestine’ as a U.N. member state, should such a resolution be presented to the Security Council for a decision in the coming days and weeks.”
Subrathie, however, believes it is implausible to think Israel would be interested in negotiating a settlement. He said it was a “very unreasonable” expectation of the US.
“It’s not something that is likely to happen where Israel in all good faith is going to sit and negotiate. I’m truly beginning to wonder whether Israel is even committed to a two-state solution or are they vying, in their context, for the first prize of a single State of Israel and no Palestine at all.”
Meanwhile, at least 11 people – including five children – were killed in the latest strikes on southern Rafah, where a ground offensive is imminent.
