South Korea Backs UN Resolution for Palestine's Full Membership, Seeks Two-State Solution

South Korea has supported a United Nations resolution that would pave the way for full UN membership for Palestine, with hopes that a 'two-state solution' could bring lasting peace in the Middle East. The resolution received strong support from 12 of the 15 Security Council members, including US allies France, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting growing global support for the Palestinians amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, the United States vetoed the resolution, preventing Palestine from becoming a full UN member state. The US deputy ambassador cited concerns over the Palestinian Authority's readiness for statehood and the influence of the terrorist organization Hamas in Gaza. The US also warned that granting full UN membership to Palestine outside of a political settlement with Israel would automatically terminate US funding for the UN.

The resolution's failure marks the first time a membership applicant has been turned away by a council vote since Vietnam in 1976. Palestinian leaders condemned the US veto as a 'blatant aggression' that pushes the region towards further conflict. However, the Palestinian ambassador said they will not stop their efforts, as a Palestinian state is 'inevitable.'

Why this matters: The vote reflects the growing global support for the Palestinians amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The stalled Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and the dominance of hardliners in Israel's government continue to be major obstacles to a peaceful resolution.

Despite the US veto, South Korea's foreign ministry stated that the government has continued to support the two-state solution as the only way to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict and build the foundation for lasting peace. The ministry expressed hope that South Korea's support for Palestine's UN membership can promote the political process based on the two-state solution and contribute to bringing lasting peace in the Middle East. South Korea's ambassador reiterated the importance of the two-state solution as the 'most viable long-term resolution' to the conflict and expressed hope that the parties will resume negotiations for a peaceful resolution.

Key Takeaways

• South Korea supports UN resolution for Palestine's full UN membership.
• US vetoes resolution, preventing Palestine from becoming a full UN member.
• Resolution failure marks first UN membership rejection since Vietnam in 1976.
• Growing global support for Palestinians amid Gaza humanitarian crisis.
• South Korea reiterates support for two-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict.