During a UN General Assembly debate on Palestine’s bid to join the United Nations, Russia’s envoy Vassily Nebenzia expressed his concern that the US policy is holding the UN Security Council hostage in regards to the ongoing struggle in the Middle East. Nebenzia emphasized that Moscow deeply regrets the US authorities’ decision to reject an Algerian resolution advocating for Palestine’s full membership in the UN.
He further stated that the actions of the US do not align with the principled position of the other members of the Security Council, who have become hostages to the US when it comes to the events in the Middle East.
Nebenzia also addressed Israel’s military operation in Gaza, highlighting the need for an unconditional ceasefire and substantive discussions for a just political settlement to break the cycle of violence.
In order to achieve peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, certain conditions need to be established, including Palestine’s membership in the UN to level the negotiating positions of both parties, as explained by Nebenzia. However, Washington’s deputy envoy to the UN, Robert Wood, defended the US decision to veto Palestine’s bid for full membership.
He emphasized that President Joe Biden has made it clear that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed. The US voted against the resolution due to the Palestinian Authority’s lack of necessary reforms and the presence of Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization, in Gaza.
Wood emphasized that premature actions in New York will not lead to statehood for the Palestinian people. It is worth noting that Israel became a member of the UN in 1949, while Palestine currently holds the status of a “Permanent Observer State.
” The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and casualties, with the death toll reaching 34,568 people and 77,765 others wounded, according to the Palestinian enclave’s health ministry.
The Israeli campaign was launched in response to a Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.
