UN Assembly backs Palestinian membership bid

The resolution, which passed with 143 votes in favor, recognizes Palestine as qualified for UN membership. However, it does not grant immediate full membership, which requires approval from the Security Council. 

The United States and Israel were among the nine countries that voted against the resolution, while 25 others abstained.

The resolution urges the Security Council to reconsider Palestine's membership application favorably. It also reaffirms the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, including the establishment of an independent state.

Furthermore, the resolution calls on the international community to step up efforts to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and achieve a lasting peace settlement based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. (ILKHA)