Israel Pulls Out of Bid For UNSC Seat

Israel has withdrawn its bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2019-2020.

This has been described as "victory," by the Palestinian Foreign Ministry.

"The withdrawal of Israel - an occupying power - from the race for a Security Council seat is a victory for humanitarian principles and values that are based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations," the ministry said in a statement, as quoted by Sputnik.

The UN comprises of five permanent members (out of 15) which are Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Since 2000, Israel has been seeking a temporary seat on the Security Council. To become a permanent member, it requires the vote of two-thirds of the 193 members of the UN General Assembly.

The Palestinian ministry is, however, working with other countries and organizations to prevent Israel from gaining membership. '

Israel decided to pull out of the race after the Security Council in April called for an inquiry into the deaths of Palestinians and journalists, in clashes with Israeli soldiers on the border with Gaza.