In April 2024, how many members of the UN Security Council either rejected or abstained from voting for the proposal to allow Pal…

Current Affairs ·Previously asked in BPSC CCE 2024

View the full solved paper: GS 2024 (Series G)

Question

In April 2024, how many members of the UN Security Council either rejected or abstained from voting for the proposal to allow Palestine to become a full member of the UN?

  1. A. 6
  2. B. 2
  3. C. 3 (Correct answer)
  4. D. 5

Correct Answer

Option C — 3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

  • In April 2024, a resolution recommending full UN membership for Palestine was put to a vote in the UN Security Council.
  • The result was 12 votes in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions.
  • The lone 'against' vote was cast by the United States, which used its veto to block the resolution, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstained.
  • Therefore, the total number of members who either rejected (1) or abstained (2) was 1 + 2 = 3.
  • Because any permanent member's veto defeats a resolution, the US veto alone was enough to stop Palestine's admission, even though an overwhelming 12 members supported it.
  • This makes option (C) correct.

Additional Information

  • The April 2024 draft resolution recommending full UN membership for Palestine secured 12 votes in favour, but the United States vetoed it, with the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstaining.
  • Any one of the five permanent members — US, UK, France, Russia, China — can block a substantive resolution regardless of the majority.
  • Palestine has held non-member observer State status since 2012; full membership requires a Security Council recommendation followed by a two-thirds General Assembly vote.