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In “Palestine Wins Status of State in Vote by U.N. Assembly,” Ethan Bronner and Christine Hauser report on the vote to grant Palestine the upgraded status of nonmember observer state in the United Nations. Below, some questions based on the article that might help provide a general understanding of this news.

6 Q’s About the News Use the related article to answer basic news questions. See all 6 Q’s About the News »

WHO granted Palestine the upgraded status of nonmember observer state in the United Nations?

WHO voted against the resolution?

WHAT does the new ranking mean, both practically and symbolically?

WHAT does a “two-state solution” mean?

WHEN was the U.N. General Assembly vote that originally divided the former British Mandate of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and the other Arab — a vote that Israel considers the international seal of approval for its birth?

HOW, on Thursday, did both President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and Ron Prosor, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, blame the other side for not doing enough to pursue peace?

WHY did Israel and the United States vote against this resolution?

WHY did some Western countries back the United Nations resolution to, in part, strengthen Mr. Abbas?

WHY is the fact that the U.N. has granted Palestine this status so significant?

WHERE is Israel on a world map? WHERE, according to this video, do Palestinians want to create a new state?

Related: Our recent 6 Q’s About the News, “Air Strikes in Gaza and Israel” and our lesson plans “Breaking Down Barriers” and “History and Hope.”