Regarding General Conference Resolution “Status of Palestine in the IAEA”

At its annual meeting, the General Conference of IAEA Member States on 28 September 2023 adopted a Resolution deciding that the designation “State of Palestine” shall be used instead of “Palestine”. It also decided “to confer upon the State of Palestine in its capacity as observer … additional rights and privileges of participation in the work of the General Conference”.

In view of media reports indicating that this Resolution reflects a change in its legal status in the IAEA, the Agency wishes to clarify that the State of Palestine remains an observer. Use of this designation by the IAEA Secretariat does not imply any judgement on the part of the Secretariat as to its legal status, territory, or authorities.