By a more than two-thirds majority, the UNGA voted for the draft resolution granting more rights to Palestine and urging the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine's bid to become the 194th member of the UN.

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Friday evening that the decision reflects “a historical reality and truth on the ground” while also recognizing the rights of people who have endured more than seven decades of occupation.

Egypt called on nations that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state to move forward towards taking “this important and pivotal step to support the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people,” read the statement.

It also urged the UNSC and international actors to responsibly address the dangerous situation in the Gaza Strip, especially the Palestinian city of Rafah.

Egypt also urged for more international efforts to implement the two-state solution to establish an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Palestine currently holds observer status in the international body, which allows it to attend and speak in meetings discussing Palestinian and Middle East-related issues.

The resolution would expand the rights of Palestine in the UN, including the right to introduce and co-sponsor proposals within the UNGA, but falls short of granting it full membership rights in voting.

Palestine can also be seated among member states, and raise procedural motions, among other rights.

The UNGA-endorsed resolution is expected to be submitted for a vote by the UN Security Council, per UN regulations.

On 18 April, a draft resolution proposed by Algeria and supported by 12 votes during a UN Security Council session was blocked by a US veto.

Friday’s step comes amid international condemnation of the Israeli war against Gaza.

Since 7 October, Israeli occupation forces killed 34,844 people, injured 78,404, caused extensive damage to Gaza's infrastructure, and displaced most of the strip’s residents.

Israel has deployed tanks into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip – where more than 1.4 million Palestinians have been crammed since the start of Israeli aggression on the strip on 7 October.

The Israeli troops have taken control of the Palestinian side of the border crossing with Egypt, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid and putting the residents at severe humanitarian risks.