Palestine hails African Union summit call for full UN membership

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation Sunday for the outcomes of the 39th African Union Summit, which concluded in Addis Ababa with a strong endorsement of Palestine's bid for full United Nations membership. The ministry described the continental body's position as "encouraging" and reflective of Africa's steadfast support for Palestinian rights, emphasizing that the demand for full UN recognition constitutes a legitimate political and legal entitlement.

Summit Declaration and Legal Framework

The two-day AU gathering issued a comprehensive final statement explicitly calling for granting the State of Palestine full membership in the United Nations, affirming this step as integral to Palestinian self-determination. The declaration also strongly condemned any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, characterizing such actions as a "severe violation of international law." Palestine currently holds non-member observer state status at the UN, granted by the General Assembly in November 2012, with a May 2024 resolution supporting its full membership application.

Regional and International Significance

The summit's call to end Israeli occupation and accelerate recognition of Palestinian statehood amplifies diplomatic momentum building across multilateral forums. Palestine's Foreign Ministry specifically welcomed the African position as a natural affirmation of rights repeatedly affirmed in international resolutions. The AU's unified stance adds significant weight to Palestinian diplomatic efforts, particularly amid ongoing challenges including settlement expansion, land confiscation, and displacement pressures in occupied territories.