Desperate Palestinian Authority May Seek Full U.N. Membership

mahmoud abbas
Spencer Platt/Getty

The Times of Israel reports: The Palestinian Authority intends to try to upgrade its status at the United Nations and become a full state member, it was reported Sunday, as Ramallah looks for ways to respond to a series of setbacks.

In a unilateral step, the PA intends to apply to the UN Security Council to upgrade it from observer status to full membership in the international body, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported. The move comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, followed by threats from the president to cut US funding to the Palestinians.

Though viewed as an extreme, last-ditch attempt, it would be a largely symbolic attempt. To gain full membership in the United Nations, the Palestinians would have to first gain approval from nine out of the 15 members of the Security Council, and even if they succeed, Jerusalem reportedly expects that the US would use its veto to scuttle the move.

Read more here.

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.