Palestinians Launch Campaign for UN Recognition as Independent State

Strategic Insights -

The Palestinian territories have launched a campaign to rally support for United Nations recognition as an independent state. The campaign, which will involve demonstrations in the Palestinian territories and worldwide, is set to culminate in a diplomatic showdown at the UN, where the US and Israel are leading opposition to the bid. The Palestinians believe that a strong international endorsement will isolate Israel and boost their position in future negotiations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palestinians will hold demonstrations in the Palestinian territories and worldwide to garner support for their bid for UN recognition as an independent state.
  • The campaign will culminate in a diplomatic showdown at the UN, where the US and Israel are leading opposition to the bid.
  • The Palestinians believe that a strong international endorsement will isolate Israel and boost their position in future negotiations.
  • The US has said it will veto any Security Council resolution to recognize Palestinian statehood.
  • The Palestinians are planning to ask the UN to recognize their independence in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem.
  • Israel opposes a full withdrawal to its 1967 lines and a pullout from east Jerusalem.
  • Palestinian officials have said that international Mideast envoy Tony Blair is trying to find an acceptable formula to get peace talks going again.

Statistics:

  • The Palestinians have been vague on whether they will seek membership from the Security Council or the General Assembly.
  • The 15-member Security Council is the most powerful body at the UN, but its decisions require the backing of the US, which would veto any Palestinian request.
  • The Palestinians could gain admission to the International Criminal Court if they are granted "non-member state" status by the General Assembly.
  • The Palestinian bid for statehood has been ongoing for nearly three years, with peace talks deadlocked since 2010.
  • The US and Israel have urged the Palestinians to drop their bid and resume negotiations, but the Palestinians have refused to resume talks unless Israel halts settlement construction and endorses the 1967 lines as the basis of a peace settlement.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The Hamilton Spectator (2011)