Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, warned that despite broad international support, US opposition could block Palestine’s bid for UN membership. Therefore, a lasting solution to the Palestine conflict seems unlikely without US support. Mr. Khan, Pakistan’s former representative to the UN, said that while a majority of General Assembly representatives and four of the five permanent members of the Security Council recognize Palestinian sovereignty, the US still sides with Israel. As a result, the US could veto any move to grant Palestine full membership and statehood.
Recently, France and the UK joined Russia and China in recognizing Palestine as an independent country. However, speaking in television interviews on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr. Khan stressed that a lasting peace agreement is unlikely without US support. He stated that despite overwhelming support in the General Assembly, US opposition in the Security Council could obstruct Palestine’s full membership. He added that global public opinion strongly supports Palestine while the US and Israel seem to ignore this sentiment.
Mr. Khan condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 2023, calling them atrocities and war crimes. He said the displacement of Palestinians, the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, and the expansion of Israeli settlements demonstrate the aim of emptying Palestinian territories. Mr. Khan stated that most Western countries, along with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, advocate for a contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, including the removal of Israeli settlements.
Mr. Khan fears further escalation of violence as Israel aims to quickly occupy Gaza and expand settlements. Although global protests against Israel are growing, he believes no country will intervene without a change in US policy. He expects world leaders, including Pakistan, to pressure the US President to support a Palestinian state during the upcoming General Assembly session. However, he expressed skepticism about a shift in the US position due to the influence of the pro-Israel lobby.