Palestinians celebrated this week after the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to recognize Palestine as a nonmember observer state. Many Jewish groups denounced the UN action saying it undermines future peace negotiations with Israel. Some US Christian and Muslim leaders supported the move. The Palestinians were not granted full UN membership, but their upgraded status could allow them access to other UN and international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, where they could possibly bring charges against Israel. The United States was one of nine nations that voted against the resolution.