How a Palestinian State Could Reward Israel

Palestine is poised to request that the UN General Assembly endorse its bid for statehood at the meeting beginning 20 September. Despite Israeli opposition, about 60 percent of UN members have expressed approval for the bid. The US is attempting to negotiate a delay and has threatened to veto the bid. With statehood, Palestine would become party to many international agreements overseen by the International Court of Justice, explains Suhail Khalilieh, writing for Ma’an News Agency. But enforcement of ICJ rulings would also be subject to possible vetoes from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Palestinians long for sovereignty, but many share concerns about a fast route to statehood without a secure system of governance in place. Statehood can’t automatically eliminate human rights abuses or tough economic struggles, but would complicate border negotiations and impose new responsibilities for Palestine while offering few tangible benefits. Palestinians’ aspirations won’t be met by an independent state in name only. – YaleGlobal