The US has blocked the UN Security Council from advancing a Palestinian push for recognition as a full member state at the UN, quashing an attempt by Palestinian allies to gain support from the global body. The vote resulted in 12 members being in favor of the resolution, while the US stood opposed, and Britain and Switzerland abstained. Following the vote, the Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, delivered a passionate speech asserting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The US State Department spokesperson stated that they believe direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority with the support of the US and other partners is the quickest route to statehood for Palestinians.