RAMALLAH: The Palestinians will launch a diplomatic push in November to gain international recognition for an independent state in spite of Israeli and US warnings, senior negotiator Saeb Erekat said yesterday.
Speaking to reporters here, Erekat dismissed any attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to oppose Palestinian ambitions for statehood.
“If he believes that he can sustain the status quo and (that) we’ll do that for him, forget him. This will not last beyond November... we will not take it any more, business as usual no more,” said Erekat.
Since the collapse of US-led peace talks with Israel in April, the Palestinians have turned to the United Nations and international organisations to seek recognition for their state.
In 2012, the Palestinians won the status of UN observer state. With peace talks now bogged down, the Palestinians have warned they would go ahead with plans to submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding an end to Israeli occupation.
As part of their diplomatic offensive they are also determined to seek to join the International Criminal Court, where they could sue Israeli officials over allegations of war crimes. AFP
