Palestinians addressing the UN: A "mortal sin" or illegal?

Even if the United States has decided to veto any Palestinian bid at the Security Council, Palestinians should not draw back from their decision to turn to the United Nations, for such a decision is neither a "mortal sin" - as some attempt to depict it - nor illegal.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has ever since been on the agenda of the UN. Negotiations between the two conflicting parties have failed to bring forth a solution to this conflict. Therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of the UN – particularly the Security Council -  to put an end to this longstanding conflict.

It should also be reminded that UN Member States must carry out their international obligations and act in good faith (bona fide), in accordance with Article 2(2) of the UN Charter. As such, the United States must not hinder the exercise by the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination.

Gabriel Helou