Riyad Mansour Image by Getty Images

The biggest bloc of developing countries, known as Group of 77, at the United Nations has chosen the observer state of Palestine as its next leader, The New York Times reported.

Palestine would take over leadership of the bloc starting in January. The bloc often speaks as one voice in the General Assembly and represents more than 80 percent of the world’s population.

The choice of Palestine as the leader of the bloc is likely to raise tensions between Israel and the United States. Palestine will be negotiating on the behalf of 135 countries, allowing this to become their political advance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“We walk like a state. We quack like a state. Therefore we are a state,” said Riyad H. Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador.

Israel and the United States maintain that that Palestine is not an independent country, but there is nothing they can do to keep Palestine from taking this leadership position come January. Strongly opposed, Israeli ambassador Danny Danon said the Palestinians will use the position to “spread lies and incitement.”

Mansour says Israel continues to deny “we are a state, but we are.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Mansour. “Palestine will continue to take steps towards gaining its statehood.”

Contact Aisha Tahir at [email protected] or on Twitter, @aishatahir

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount