The United Nations could see a landmark day in terms of the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
Palestine, for the second consecutive year, has filed documents in the United Nations (UN) to be recognized in the organization, this time as an Observer State.
As an Observer State, Palestine will not be able to vote on documents but will be able to speak on matters. Other Observer States include the Holy See, also known as Vatican City.
It is largely reported that the General Assembly, consisting of all 193 Member States of the UN, will vote for Palestine's wish to be an Observer State. However, not all Member States are on the same boat. Israel and the United States are scheduled to vote 'No' while Germany is set to abstain. Supporters of the United States such as France and Spain are set to vote 'Yes' for Palestine.
Today coincidentally is the "International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People." The UN featured events and speeches regarding Palestine before the voting was set to begin.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the vote will not improve the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
"We need an environment conducive to that," she told reporters. "And we've urged both parties to refrain from actions that might in any way make a return to meaningful negotiations that focus on getting to a resolution more difficult."
Congress has also threatened to withdraw funding to Palestine if they are recognized, a move similarly made when the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESCO) recognized Palestine. The US furthermore withdrew funding to UNESCO.
The vote is set to happen late in the afternoon.
Watch the vote live, below:
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