The United States has blocked Palestine's path to full membership as a state in the United Nations by exercising its veto power in the Security Council. The draft resolution, which recommended the admission of Palestine as a member of the UN to the General Assembly, was rejected by the US on Thursday (April 18), despite receiving support from 12 out of 15 Security Council members, including China and Russia.

The resolution required 9 votes to pass unless vetoed by a permanent member of the Security Council. The US veto effectively halted the advancement of Palestine's bid for full UN membership. Both the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstained from voting on the resolution.

Russia, along with other nations, condemned the US veto, emphasizing the implications of Washington's decision on the Palestinian cause. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, criticized the US for its rejection of Palestine's application, stating that it revealed the true stance of the US towards the Palestinians.

Palestine, currently holding observer status in the United Nations, sought to elevate its status to full membership, a move met with resistance from Israel and its close ally, the United States. Despite efforts to garner support from the international community, Palestine's bid for full UN membership faces continued challenges and obstacles.