Fulfilling Obligation For Palestinian People Is Long Overdue, But Never Too Late: UAE

The United Arab Emirates on Friday underscored importance of the resolution that called for reevaluation of Palestine's membership to the UN, saying that "fulfilling the UN's historic obligation towards the Palestinian people is long overdue, but it is never too late."

Drawing attention to the persecution and the denial of their basic rights that Palestinians endured for over 75 years, UAE's envoy at UN Mohamed Abushahab stated that the resolution they have spearheaded "would have a profound impact on the future of the Palestinian people."

He emphasized the legitimacy of the Palestinian bid for full membership in the UN, stressing the importance of championing the right to self-determination. He urged the international community to recognize Palestine's rightful place in the global arena and to support their bid for full membership.

The draft resolution, while granting additional rights to Palestine, falls short of full membership, limiting its voting rights in the General Assembly and its ability to nominate candidates for UN organs.

Abushahab called on the UN Security Council to respond positively to the overwhelming support for Palestine's membership, stressing the need to rectify the historic injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people.

Hailing the resolution as a historic step towards addressing decades of injustice and bolstering Palestine's participation in international fora, Abushahab said voting against it would constitute an abandonment of moral and legal responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause.

"It may also be interpreted as a green light for Israel to continue its violations which undermine the two state solution," he added.

Palestine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, shed light on the dire situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention.

"As lives continue to fall apart in the Gaza Strip, torn apart in the most brutal and devastating ways, no words can capture the depth of loss and trauma endured by Palestinians," Mansour said, highlighting the staggering toll of the conflict with over 35,000 killed, 80,000 maimed, and 2 million displaced.

With 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah facing imminent danger, Mansour stressed the urgent need for action, stating, "There is nowhere left to go."

He underscored the severity of the current crisis, describing it as unparalleled in its tragic magnitude.

Mansour also criticized Israel's efforts to undermine Palestinian sovereignty, questioning the sincerity of those who claim to support the two-state solution while allowing for the destruction of the Palestinian state.

"A yes vote is a vote for Palestinian existence," Mansour said, highlighting the significance of the voting at the UN General Assembly.

Mansour concluded by urging the international community to consider the implications of their vote, stating, "Your vote today... says a lot about your solidarity with Palestine, but also about who you are and what you stand for. It matters."

The UN General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for the reevaluation of Palestine's UN membership bid and granting additional rights.

The resolution, which was spearheaded by the UAE (on behalf of the Arab Group), was adopted by overwhelming consensus with 143 member states voting in favor, 9 against and 25 abstentions.

Co-sponsored by Türkiye along with nearly 80 member states, the resolution expressed "deep regret and concern" over veto of the US at the UN Security Council on April 18. -