Palestinian Territories, April 19, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Palestinian group Hamas condemned on Friday the US veto that ended a long-shot Palestinian bid for full United Nations membership.
 
  "Hamas condemns the American veto at the Security Council of the draft resolution granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations," the Gaza Strip rulers said in a statement, which comes amid growing international concern over the toll inflicted by the war in the besieged Palestinian territory.
 
  The veto by Israel's main ally and military backer had been expected ahead of the vote, which took place more than six months into Israel's offensive in Gaza, in retaliation for the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas.
 
  Twelve countries voted in favour of the draft resolution, which was introduced by Algeria and "recommends to the General Assembly that the State of Palestine be admitted to membership of the United Nations". Britain and Switzerland abstained.