The Veto prevented the measure proposed by Algeria on behalf of the Arab states. Twelve of the 15 council members voted in favor, while two, Great Britain, and Switzerland, abstained.
U.S. officials had said a vote for statehood now would undermine the prospects for a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Some said the United States and its unwavering support of Israel bore responsibility for the ongoing agony of the Palestinian people. The result of the vote, with Washington “virtually in complete isolation, speaks for itself," said Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya. The United States, along with its Israeli allies, bears “full responsibility for. the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians,’ he said. The vote was the first vote on Palestinian full UN membership in more than ten years. The USA blocked it with an announcement. Iran used the stage to issue warnings. Even the Council's closest allies did not support the US veto. Britain justified its abstention by saying that the path to a new future for the Palestinian territories was “not entirely our gift," “but our recognition of a Palestinian state should be part of it. The vote came after a passionate, days-long debate involving not only council members but also non-voting UN members who had signed up to have a say. Many argued that a yes vote would send a message, even if it would not immediately lead to peace. The same 1947 UN resolution that ultimately led to the creation of the state of Israel also called for the creation of a Palestinian state. Passing the resolution would give Palestinians hope for a dignified life, said Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. The vote was held at the United Nations' headquarters in New York City on Tuesday.