In a quarterly open debate on the Middle East situation at the United Nations (UN), the Maldives urged all 192 members to fully support Palestine's bid for UN membership.

Speaking on behalf of the Maldives, Mohamed Naseer, the principal secretary to the president on foreign relations, condemned Israel's actions, citing violations of the UN Charter and international law, which have resulted in the suffering of thousands of Palestinians.

Despite widespread international support, the United States vetoed Palestine's UN membership resolution during a vote at the UN Security Council on Thursday.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed disappointment, stating that Maldives stands with over 140 UN member states in supporting Palestine's application for full UN membership.

Minister Zameer reiterated Maldives' call for a just and lasting solution, advocating for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 border.

During the vote, 12 countries supported Palestine's bid for UN membership, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland abstained.

The Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas's office denounced the US veto as unjust, warning that such actions could jeopardize peace in the region.

Palestine has sought full UN membership for years, with its first attempt in 2011 yielding no decision.

Despite achieving observer status in the UN in 2012, Palestine's efforts for full membership continue to face challenges on the international stage.