Istanbul, June 9, 2024 — The D-8 group of developing countries has called for the lifting of the United States veto on Palestine's bid for full membership as an independent and sovereign state of the United Nations. This call was made during a meeting held in Istanbul on Saturday, attended by representatives from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

In a declaration issued after the meeting, the D-8 ministers also demanded an end to the supply of arms and ammunition to Israel. This call aligns with growing international concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, both deemed illegal by the United Nations.

Palestine has held the status of a non-member observer state at the UN since 2012, a designation that limits its participation and benefits compared to full member states. Last month, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution urging the Security Council to grant Palestine full membership, recommending a favorable reconsideration of the issue.

The United States recently exercised its veto power to block Palestine's full membership bid. This action has drawn criticism from human rights groups and other entities, accusing the US of supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict by supplying weapons.

The call for full UN membership for Palestine comes amidst an intense and prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 84,000 injuries. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for an end to hostilities and a peaceful resolution gaining momentum.

The D-8 group's declaration underscores the urgency of addressing the Palestinian quest for statehood and the broader implications for peace and stability in the region.