The United States has cast a veto against a widely supported UN resolution that would have recognized Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. China has expressed disappointment over Washington's move, calling it a setback for peace in the Middle East.
💔 \"Today is a sad day,\" said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, after the vote. Out of the 15-member Security Council, 12 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while the UK and Switzerland abstained, and the U.S. stood alone in opposition.
Fu condemned the veto, stating that it has \"ruthlessly dashed the decades-long dream of the Palestinian people.\" He challenged the notion that Palestine lacks the capacity for self-governance, emphasizing changes over the past 13 years, particularly the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
The Chinese envoy criticized what he termed Washington's \"gangster logic\" and highlighted the urgent need to reignite efforts towards a two-state solution. \"The fundamental way out for the Middle East question lies in the implementation of the two-state solution, so that both Palestinians and Israelis can realize common security and achieve common development,\" Fu asserted.
This marks the second attempt by Palestine to gain full UN membership. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas first submitted the application in 2011, but it was unsuccessful due to insufficient support from Security Council members. This time, Abbas criticized the U.S. veto, labeling it \"unfair, immoral, and unjustified,\" and a defiance of the international community's will.
With the dreams of a nation held in the balance, it's time to step up and make a change. 🕊️ Will the world answer the call for peace?
Reference(s):
China slams U.S. veto of Palestine's pursuit of full UN membership
cgtn.com
