Palestinians plan mass demonstrations against Israel on eve of UN vote!
GAZA CITY, West Bank - August 1, 2011 - Palestinian officials said Monday they plan to begin mass marches against Israel's occupation of the West Bank on September 20, the eve of a largely symbolic UN vote expected to recognize their independence.
Palestinian official Yasser Abed Rabbo said leaders hope to attract millions, and the protest will be the first of a prolonged effort. He said the campaign would be called "Palestine 194", since the Palestinians hope to become the 194th member of the United Nations.
"The appeal to the UN is a battle for all Palestinians, and in order to succeed, it needs millions to pour into streets," he said.
With peace talks stalled, the Palestinians have decided to ask the UN to endorse their independence. They plan to ask the powerful Security Council, whose decisions are legally binding, for approval as a full member of the world body.
The U.S. opposes the Palestinian initiative and has signaled it will use its veto power in the Council to defeat the measure.
That would force the Palestinians to turn to the much larger General Assembly, where they enjoy widespread support. While a vote there would be symbolic, the Palestinians believe any international endorsement will isolate Israel and improve their position if negotiations resume.
