Palestine Gains UN Assembly Seat Amid Controversy

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly started with Palestine given a seat next to UN member states, sparking debates. While Egypt celebrated this as historic, Israel criticized it as political favoritism. The session aims to address issues like global conflicts, climate change, and economic inequality.

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly commenced in New York with representatives of Palestine being granted a seat adjacent to UN member states. Despite not being a full member of the 193-nation body, Palestine's presence has drawn notable attention.

Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Authority's envoy to the UN, occupied a seat marked 'State of Palestine,' positioned between Sri Lanka and Sudan. The Palestinian Permanent Mission to the UN released a social media clip showing Egypt's Ambassador confirming the new seating arrangement. 'This is not a mere procedural matter. This is historic,' stated Egyptian Ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud.

Israel has condemned the decision, labeling it political favoritism. A resolution passed on May 10 facilitated Palestine's inclusion in General Assembly activities, winning overwhelming support with 143 votes. India, maintaining its stance on the two-state solution, was among the supporters. The resolution allows Palestine participation 'on an exceptional basis.'

In parallel, Philemon Yang, former Cameroon Prime Minister and newly elected president of the General Assembly, underscored the importance of resolving conflicts in regions like Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted ongoing global issues, from poverty and inequality to climate catastrophe, pointing toward collaborative solutions as key.

This year's agenda includes the 'Summit of the Future' on September 22-23, and the General Debate themed 'Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity,' aiming to forge a global cooperative path to address contemporary challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)