The Interpol’s (International Police Organisation) general assembly in Beijing approved Palestine’s membership of the organisation on Wednesday, with 75% of member countries voting in favour.

Interpol said in a tweet: “The State of Palestine and the Solomon Islands are now INTERPOL member countries”.

The Israeli Occupation strongly opposed the move, insisting that Palestine is not a state, making it ineligible for membership. However, this has long been a point of contention, and the fuel for many debates and feuds between the two countries, as well as the international community as a whole. In recent years, Palestine has made bounds in becoming recognised as a state, gaining partial UN membership and favourable public opinion.

“This victory was made possible because of the principled position of the majority of Interpol members,” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al Maliki said in a statement. “On this joyous occasion, the State of Palestine reiterates its commitment to upholding its obligations and contributing to fighting crime and furthering the rule of law”.

Sources: Reuters, Maan News