Unesco membership to Palestine strengthens the case for statehood

Commenting editorially on the occasion of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) membership to Palestine, the Dubai-based English daily Gulf News said: Amid news of the barbaric killing of a young Palestinian activist who was shot in the face by Israeli forces for protesting against Israel's illegal measures in his village in the West Bank and a unilateral Israeli decision to repair the Al Haram Al Sharif access ramp while completely sidelining Palestinian decision-makers, there was some good news for Palestinians. On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for the first time thus marking the Palestinians' entrance into this specialised agency and strengthening its place on the international stage. Indeed this flag ceremony was steeped in symbolism. For Palestinians, who have been fighting for their own state for decades, it is one step closer towards getting the same treatment as every other state. It's long overdue for Palestine, which has suffered a brutal Israeli occupation, to be given its deserved and legitimate rights. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is currently awaiting a response from the UN Security Council on his request for Palestinian statehood recognition. The US, which has threatened to veto it, insists on the resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians before considering this request. The facts on the ground, however, prove that it is Israel which is showing no signs of cooperation by continuing with its illegal expansionist policies. Denying Palestinians their political rights does not mean that their cultural identity can be erased. Unesco's latest member is one of the most deserving in the world and it is hoped its work will be visible in the coming months.