African Union calls for full United Nations membership status for Palestine

African leaders meeting at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa renewed calls for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and urged that Palestine be granted full membership in the United Nations, drawing swift praise from Palestinian officials.

In its final communiqué, the African Union said it “categorically rejects” any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, describing such actions as a grave violation of international law. The statement also warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, citing the ongoing blockade and restrictions on the entry of medical and relief aid.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the outcome of the summit, saying the language adopted by African leaders reflected firm continental support for what it called the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. In a statement, the ministry said the communiqué reinforced international demands to end the Israeli occupation, establish an independent Palestinian state and move without delay toward granting Palestine full membership at the United Nations.

“The summit’s rejection of any attempts to forcibly evacuate the Palestinian people, alongside warnings about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, reflects a clear adherence to international law and a strong moral and political stance,” the ministry said, urging the international community to provide “humanitarian, legal and political protection” for Palestinians.

The position was echoed during the opening of the summit by the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

“In the Middle East, Palestine and the suffering of its people also challenge our consciences,” Youssouf said. “The extermination of these people must stop.”

The two-day summit, held on February 14–15, brought together heads of state and government from across the continent, alongside international partners including António Guterres. While the official theme focused on water security and sanitation as drivers of Africa’s development agenda, conflicts on the continent and beyond dominated much of the political debate.

In addition to reiterating solidarity with Palestinians, the assembly considered a report on the situation in Palestine and reaffirmed its support for a “just, lasting and comprehensive solution” based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. African leaders also voiced support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.

Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the United Nations since a General Assembly resolution adopted in 2012. In May 2024, the General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution supporting Palestine’s bid for full UN membership, though admission requires approval by the Security Council.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the African Union’s stance strengthened global efforts to achieve justice and peace and bolstered Palestinian resilience in the pursuit of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.