The results of the vote on a resolution calling on the UN Security Council to reconsider and support Palestine's full membership of the United Nations are displayed at UN headquarters in New York on May 10, 2024. (Credit: Charly Triballeau/AFP)
Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Saturday welcomed the UN General Assembly's decision to qualify the state of Palestine for full membership of the organization.
In a statement, the Bustros Palace said that the decision, voted for by 143 countries, was "a step in the right direction towards restoring Palestinian rights and achieving lasting security and stability in the region."
The statement also emphasized the need to "give peace a real chance after more than 75 years of occupation, tragedy and devastation, by recognizing and establishing an independent Palestinian state."
On Friday, an overwhelming majority of the UN General Assembly deemed that the Palestinians deserved full membership of the organization; however, for Palestine to become a full member of the body it requires a recommendation from the Security Council. The General Assembly has recommended that the Security Council “reconsider the matter favorably.”
The symbolic vote, welcomed by the Palestinian Authority, angered Israel. "Violence pays," said Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, for whom the move is tantamount to the UN rewarding the Hamas movement for its attack on Israeli territory on Oct. 7.