On Friday (September 19), the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved—by 145 votes in favor, only 5 against, and 6 abstentions—a resolution granting Palestine participation rights in the proceedings of the 80th Session as a non-member state.
Voting against were Israel and the United States, joined by the Republic of Palau, Paraguay, and Nauru, reaffirming their longstanding position that full Palestinian recognition should come only through direct peace negotiations.
Those abstaining—Albania, Hungary, Skopje, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Panama—avoided taking a clear stance. In contrast, the vast majority of UN member states, including Greece, Cyprus, France, Germany, Spain, and many African and Asian nations, supported the proposal as a step toward strengthening Palestine’s presence on the global stage.
Diplomatic observers stressed that the resolution sends a powerful signal about the urgency of revitalizing the Middle East peace process. The European Union, which has sometimes been divided on such votes, showed greater cohesion this time. The Arab League welcomed the decision, saying it reflects the international community’s determination to end the protracted conflict.
Analysts believe the move increases pressure on the United States and Israel at a moment when tensions remain high in Gaza and the West Bank. While the resolution does not immediately change Palestine’s membership status, it is widely viewed as a pivotal political gesture that bolsters its diplomatic standing within the United Nations.
