"U.S. Vetoes Palestinian Full U.N. Membership Bid"

The United States vetoed the Palestinian membership application for full U.N. membership, citing the need for a negotiated decision between Israel and the Palestinians. The U.S. maintains that full Palestinian membership should come as part of a treaty enshrining the two-state solution, but critics argue that the reality on the ground makes a contiguous Palestinian state impossible. The Palestinians see full U.N. membership as a step towards statehood, while Israel opposes it, citing concerns about rewarding "terrorists." Despite overwhelming support on the Security Council, the U.S. vetoed the application, leaving the Palestinians with only observer status at the U.N.