Palestinians debate way forward after failed UN bid

The Palestinian leadership will be meeting today to thrash out a new plan after a resolution to end Israel's occupation was rejected by the UN Security Council, according to Palestinian officials.

Hamas harshly criticised Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas for what they described as his failure to push through the UN resolution. "This was a unilateral decision taken Abbas who has taken the Palestinian decision-making process hostage," according to a Hamas spokesman.

Tuesday’s UN vote served as a blow to the Arab campaign to bring about an independent Palestinian state. The Palestinians had called for a three year gradual end to the Israeli occupation.

Palestinian officials have told the press that the vote could spur the Palestinians into setting a date to join the International Criminal Court.  The Palestinian leadership had been considering joining the ICC so as to be able to press charges against Israel for alleged war crimes for a long time, but membership could expose the Palestinians to similar allegations.

The United States, Israel's closest ally, voted against Tuesday's UN resolution, favouring negotiations as opposed to an imposed timetable.

In a move possibly reflecting the growing impatience in Europe over the lack of progress in over 20 years of peace talks, France and Luxembourg were among the countries that voted in favour of the UN resolution.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said officials would hold a "very serious meeting" Wednesday and could set a date for applying for membership to the ICC and other international agencies.

"There will be no more waiting, no more hesitation, no more slowdown," Erekat said. "We are going to meet and make decisions."