The Palestinian Authority has taken its battle against Israel's plan to apply sovereignty to large parts of Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley to the United Nations, seeking official condemnation by the international body against the Jewish state.
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Israel's delegation to the UN said that, knowing that they will face a US veto at the Security Council, the Palestinian delegation to the UN plans to send the draft resolution to a General Assembly vote, where it enjoys the support of most UN members.
Representatives of the Arab League met recently with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to express their concern over Israel's "unilateral step," saying that the pan-Arab group is fighting the move alongside the Palestinian mission in the UN.
The Palestinians have also been taking various steps on the international stage to prevent Israel's move, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to present to a Knesset vote in the coming weeks.
The UNGA is not convened at this time over the coronavirus. Voting on resolutions is still possible, however, through a special process.
"Israel is ready and willing to defend any decision made by the government before the UN and to work with our friends around the world to thwart hostile initiatives," Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said Saturday.
"The solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will come through direct negotiations in Jerusalem and not through diplomatic terrorism in New York.
"The international community needs to know that legitimizing Palestinian provocations rewards Abu Mazen's [PA President Mahmoud Abbas'] refusal to hold dialogue with Israel."
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Saturday that "the long history of Israeli colonial occupation in the West Bank and Gaza, including east Jerusalem, should encourage the international community to translate its positions, which reject the Israeli annexation plans, into practical steps and recognition of a Palestinian state."
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