UN Security Council mulls Palestinian Authority’s full membership bid

NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has forwarded the Palestinian Authority’s request for full membership to a 15-member committee on Sunday.

“The decision is expected later this month”, Malta’s Ambassador to the UN Vanessa Frazier revealed. Frazier proposed convening the committee meeting on Monday in the Security Council.

Read more: Gaza truce talks still deadlocked, Netanyahu sets date for offensive

Irish Simon Harris signals intention to recognise Palestine

Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris addressed the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, calling it a “humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes.”

Speaking at an event in Galloway, Ireland, Simon Harris said that he “strongly demanded” Israel to cease fighting in Gaza and provide aid to Gaza. “Prime Minister Netanyahu, let me say this today, we are fed up with your actions, now call for a ceasefire and secure the access of aid,” he said.

Harris said that “we need a two state solution, Israel and Palestine live together in peace and security. Tonight from Galloway. I stress that Ireland is ready to recognise the state of Palestine”.

Ceasefire talks in Cairo

Meanwhile, talks between Hamas and Israel continue in Cairo regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite ongoing discussions, an agreement has not yet been reached. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a date for a ground attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Read more: Israel reduces troops in south Gaza

The conflict has led to significant displacement, with approximately 140,000 Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah. The Israeli invasion in occupied Palestine has resulted in a huge the loss of lives, with the number of Palestinian casualties reaching 33,207.