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Palestinian UN bid: key moves to watch for
At this year’s annual meeting the United Nations General Assembly in New York, one of the most high-profile issues is the Palestinian statehood bid. What is it, and how will it unfold?
A Jordanian protester waves a Palestinian flag during sit-in supporting the Palestinian statehood bid at the UN, in front the United Nations headquarters in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday. (Raad Adayleh/AP)
What are the Palestinians seeking?
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), considered the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, has had observer status at the United Nations since 1974. It has been allowed to participate in debates both in the General Assembly (GA) and the Security Council, but does not have voting rights.
Now Palestinians are seeking full membership in the United Nations as a sovereign nation. If they succeed, it will give their quest for statehood crucial international backing, but it will not officially create a Palestinian state.
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