The U.S. vetoed a widely supported U.N. resolution on Thursday, blocking the path for full United Nations membership for Palestine.
The Security Council vote resulted in 12 in favor, the U.S. against, and two abstentions. The resolution aimed to recommend Palestine’s admission as the 194th member of the U.N. through the General Assembly, where there are no vetoes.
Despite 140 countries already recognizing Palestine, the U.S. opposed its admission.
Prior to the vote, U.S. deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel emphasized that premature actions in New York would not lead to statehood for the Palestinian people, regardless of good intentions.
This marks the second Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership, coinciding with heightened tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
