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11/22/2024 12:32:11 am

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Palestine Push UN Resolution To End Israeli Occupation, U.S. Caught In The Middle

Hamas leaders and Palestinians

(Photo : REUTERS/Mohammed Salem) Senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar (2nd R), appearing for the first time since the start of a seven-week conflict, holds hands during a rally by Palestinians celebrating what they said was a victory over Israel, following a ceasefire in Gaza City August 26, 2014.

A Palestinian-Arab drafted United Nations resolution is pushing for the end of Israeli occupation in Palestine territories by November 2016, a move that could undermine U.S. efforts to broker a peace deal in Gaza.

The draft resolution calls for the complete withdrawal of Israelis from East Jerusalem and the West Bank within the next two years as part of Palestine's drive to achieve sovereignty and independence. The document likewise demands for the return of the territories Israel seized during the 1967 war, according to Fox News.

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Israel has declined previous conditions relating to the return of the seized lands. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that returning the properties would put the country at a disadvantage given its relatively small land base and the continued Hamas-initiated rocket fire from Gaza.

Arab officials say the resolution needed some minor changes before it could possibly be put to a vote with the UN's Security Council. However, the formal submission of the resolution may not happen if Arab officials think the bill may be vetoed, said Al Arabiya New York bureau head Talal al-Haj.

The U.S. holds a permanent seat with the UN that grants it veto powers.

The Arab group had previously drafted two UN resolutions - one on the Gaza war and another on Israel's petitions - but they were withdrawn before being put to a vote after it became clear it was likely the U.S. would veto them.

Arab officials contend that a veto of the new resolution would isolate Washington from international scrutiny. They did not elaborate.

On Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power reiterated Washington's stance that the best way to resolve the Israel-Palestine war in Gaza would be through direct negotiations.

But despite their position, U.S. officials on Wednesday warned Israel that construction plans in East Jerusalem could hurt relations with allies and cast doubt on its commitment in resolving the conflict with Palestine.

According to the Associated Press, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas announced the submission of the draft resolution during talks with other officials on Wednesday.

There is no certainty that the resolution will win a majority and be passed by the Security Council but Palestine has made known its intentions, he said.

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