Historic Milestone: Palestine Secures Official Seat at UN General Assembly (video)
Palestine has achieved a historic milestone by securing an official seat at the UN General Assembly for the first time. This significant development follows a resolution passed in May that recognized Palestine's right to participate more fully in UN proceedings. The Palestinian envoy, Riyad Mansour, took his place among member states, marking a notable step toward greater recognition of Palestinian statehood. This event highlights the ongoing international support for Palestine amidst the complex political landscape.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Introduction In a landmark event during the opening session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Palestine marked its presence by securing an official seat among UN member states. This pivotal moment not only signifies a step towards greater international recognition but also spotlights the ongoing global discourse on statehood and sovereignty.
In a significant development, Palestine has achieved a major milestone by securing an official seat among UN member states during the opening the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. This breakthrough follows a resolution passed in May 2024, recognizing Palestine's right to participate more fully in UN proceedings.
International Recognition and New Privileges
The resolution approved in May 2024 marked a crucial step towards greater recognition of Palestinian statehood. Here are the key details:
- UN Resolution: The General Assembly resolution, which was passed with an overwhelming majority, acknowledges Palestine's status as a state and allows it to participate more actively in UN deliberations.
- New Privileges: This development grants Palestine new rights, including the ability to submit proposals and amendments, and to participate in voting procedures. These privileges reflect an increasing international acknowledgment of the rights of the Palestinian people.
- Seat Allocation: The Palestinian envoy, Riyad Mansour, took his place at a table marked "State of Palestine," situated between Sri Lanka and Sudan, symbolizing the country's enhanced status within the international community.
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Reactions and Challenges
Despite this positive step, several challenges and reactions have emerged:
- Israeli Criticism: The Israeli delegation criticized the move, arguing that it undermines the principles of statehood and rewards terrorism. This stance reflects the ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between Israel and Palestine.
- US Veto: The United States has previously used its veto power against attempts to grant Palestine full UN membership, highlighting the deep-seated international divisions on the Palestinian issue.
- Global Support: UN experts have urged all member states to recognize the State of Palestine, emphasizing the importance of this recognition in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and achieving lasting peace in the region.
Global Context and Future Implications
The recent developments are set against a backdrop of various global issues that will be addressed during the 79th UN General Assembly session, including:
- Global Conflicts: Conflicts in Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine are among the pressing issues that will be discussed during the session.
- Poverty and Climate Change: The assembly will also focus on addressing poverty and climate change, which are critical global challenges.
Call for Recognition and Peace
The recent recognition of Palestine by several countries, including Norway, Ireland, and Spain, underscores the growing trend of international support for Palestinian statehood. Here are some key facts:
- Countries Recognizing Palestine: As of May 2024, 146 countries have recognized the State of Palestine, with recent recognitions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain.
- UN Membership Bid: Despite the overwhelming support in the General Assembly, Palestine's bid for full UN membership remains pending due to the veto power held by the Security Council's permanent members.
Conclusion
The securing of an official seat by Palestine at the UN General Assembly is a historic step towards achieving full membership in the United Nations. This development reflects significant progress in the of Palestinian rights, despite the ongoing political challenges.
Countries That Recognize Palestine
| Country | Date of Recognition |
|---|---|
| Norway | May 2024 |
| Ireland | May 2024 |
| Spain | May 2024 |
| Sweden | 2014 |
| Ecuador | December 24, 2010 |
| India | December 18, 1988 |
| Egypt | November 18, 1988 |
| Iceland | December 25, 2011 |
| Romania | December 1, 1988 |
| Poland | December 12, 1988 |
| Burundi | October 31, 2010 |
| Thailand | January 18, 2012 |
| Tanzania | November 29, 1994 |
| Iraq | December 4, 1988 |
| Russia | December 19, 2011 |
This list highlights some of the countries that have recognized Palestine, contributing to the growing international consensus on Palestinian statehood.
In conclusion, while the path to full UN membership for Palestine is fraught with challenges, the recent developments mark a significant step forward in the international community's recognition of Palestinian rights and aspirations for statehood.
