In recent news, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas called for an international UN conference to discuss the possibility of Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations. Abbas stated that he was willing to, “step up efforts to achieve full UN membership for Palestine and urged countries that have yet to recognize it to do so.” This comes as an effect of the United States (Donald Trump) recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and not Palestine’s and thus moving their embassy. Abbas response to this measure of action was that the U.S. should not be considered the mediator in Middle East peace negotiations because they are showing favoritism.The UN declared to other countries not to move embassies until a decision can be made about Jerusalem. In Abbas’s speech he hoped to achieve, “full UN membership for the state of Palestine, mutual recognition of Israel and Palestine, and the creation of a new international mechanism to reach a final settlement.” In order for Palestine to achieve full membership, they would need an unanimous vote from the Security Council, which includes the United States so their chances are unlikely. Overall this problem is not likely to resolve quickly. The United States currently have a choke hold on this issue and without their consent nothing will change. Negotiations will have to be made before Palestine will advance any farther in their membership in the United Nations as well as other international forums.
