A US State Department spokesman reiterated US commitment to a future Palestinian state but poured cold water on an initiative to ask the United Nations Security Council to recognise a state unilaterally.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat (pictured) said Sunday they plan to ask for UN recognition of their independence "with June 1967 borders", amid mounting frustration over the stalled peace process.
The Palestinian electoral commission has postponed presidential and parliamentary elections slated for January 24, saying the poll could not proceed in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has reiterated the need for a clear framework for peace talks, including an end to Israeli settlement construction, in an address to mark the fifth anniversary of his predecessor Yasser Arafat's death.
Arab leaders and Israeli officials have urged the head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas (photo), to reconsider his decision not to stand for re-election in a January poll, reports say.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has confirmed he will not seek re-election in a vote planned for January, citing frustration at the stalemate in peace talks with Israel.
Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki says he is "satisfied" with Washington's position that an offer from Israel to show "restraint" on the issue of settlements in the occupied West Bank falls short of US expectations.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Israel's offer to show "restraint" on the issue of settlements in the occupied West Bank falls short of US expectations, as she tried on Monday to counter Arab accusations she is being too soft on Israel.
