UN General Assembly to vote on Palestinian membership bid

The vote, scheduled for Friday, May 10th at 10:00 AM EST, will gauge global support for granting Palestine full member state status.

Palestinian Assistant Foreign Minister for the UN, Omar Awadallah, asserts that Palestine meets all criteria for membership as outlined in the UN Charter's Article 4. 

A two-thirds majority vote in the 193-member assembly is needed for the resolution to pass.  Passing the resolution would signify Palestine's eligibility for full membership, elevating its legal standing within the UN and its affiliated bodies.

Awadallah highlighted the benefits of full membership, including the ability to participate in debates on any agenda item, address international gatherings, submit resolutions, and hold a designated seat among member states.

This vote comes after a failed attempt to gain membership through the Security Council earlier this month. The US vetoed a resolution recommending Palestinian membership on April 18th.  While 12 of the 15 Council members supported the resolution, the US vote and abstentions by Britain and Switzerland blocked its passage.

Currently, Palestine holds observer state status, a designation granted by the General Assembly in 2012. This upcoming vote represents another step in Palestine's pursuit of full UN membership. (ILKHA)