UN recognizes state of Palestine

[SilentFeathers]

This is pretty big news folk's!


UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state, a long-sought victory for the Palestinians but an embarrassing diplomatic defeat for the United States.
The resolution upgrading the Palestinians' status to a nonmember observer state at the United Nations was approved by a more than two-thirds majority of the 193-member world body — a vote of 138-9, with 41 abstentions.
A Palestinian flag was quickly unfurled on the floor of the General Assembly, behind the Palestinian delegation.
http://news.yahoo.com/un-recognizes-state-palestine-220519034.html

also from the same article:


The United States immediately criticized the historic vote. "Today's unfortunate and counterproductive resolution places further obstacles in the path peace," U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said.

[Tangri]

I am sorry behalf of the %28 of the population representatives decision .

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/recognizes+state+Palestine+Canada+joins+minority+saying/7629682/story.html

It would be nice to find out 9 countries to tag for.
I can name few

USA
Israel
Germany
Canada

[Tangri]

Czech Republic,
Panama,
the Marshall Islands,
Micronesia,
Nauru and Palau.

[panopticon]

Yeah, an historic vote. One that is long over due and will have ramifications in the region.

Notice though that this also reinforces the artificial construct, known as the nation-state, as a means of concentrating control and power "upwards".
It removes power and control from individuals and places it in the hands of state representatives (elected or other wise) leaving the individual powerless.

Legitimate state coercion is the result (whether overt or covert) and while I am pleased that Palestine has been recognised within this system of dominance I am further disheartened that not many seem to recognise that it is about the many layers and levels of Money, Control and Power.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

[DeDukshyn]

I am sorry behalf of the %28 of the population representatives decision .

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/recognizes+state+Palestine+Canada+joins+minority+saying/7629682/story.html

It would be nice to find out 9 countries to tag for.
I can name few

USA
Israel
Germany
Canada

Yup ... and yet read the comments ... If our gov't doesn't get it's **** together ... it'll be in for a surprise ... Canadians are extremely awesome tolerant people, but if you push us past a certain point, things will get fixed. Harper et al ... that refers to you and your benefits from "beneficiaries" .. ;)

[modwiz]

A new state. I wonder what the borders will be? This could get interesting.

[SilentFeathers]

A new state. I wonder what the borders will be? This could get interesting.

I have the same thoughts....

also, kind-a makes Israel's tactics a bit more "lawful" too....(or unlawful)

[Dennis Leahy]

Yeah, an historic vote. One that is long over due and will have ramifications in the region.

Notice though that this also reinforces the artificial construct, known as the nation-state, as a means of concentrating control and power "upwards".
It removes power and control from individuals and places it in the hands of state representatives (elected or other wise) leaving the individual powerless.

Legitimate state coercion is the result (whether overt or covert) and while I am pleased that Palestine has been recognised within this system of dominance I am further disheartened that not many seem to recognise that it is about the many layers and levels of Money, Control and Power.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

In historical context, and especially in the context of the blood of Palestinians flowing in the streets, from yet another genocidal attack by Israel, and supported once again by the USA, this places the people of Palestine in a much safer atmosphere.

I don't believe that your thinking is wrong, but geopolitically premature. It is just the clash of theory and reality. The living, breathing people currently in Palestine needed this - now.

The concept of whether to drop national boundaries and declare ourselves citizens of planet Earth may also be a bit premature, realistically. Again, I agree in theory, but in reality, there are powerful, nefarious forces that want to consolidate power into a their own version of the "one." In our hearts, it is one world brotherhood/sisterhood; to them it is one world government and one world central banking. I believe we (citizens) had better gain massively more control of our governance before we even think about tackling the step of dropping the borders.

Dennis

[gripreaper]

The UN? Oh boy.

[Hervé]

The UN? Oh boy.

Reading the thread title without paying much attention... it read "Unrecognized state of Palestine."

[SilentFeathers]

The UN? Oh boy.

Reading the thread title without paying much attention... it read "Unrecognized state of Palestine."

Amazing how the truth is right in our face in the most obvious ways!

[write4change]

I used to believe in a united world. I was naive. After much life experience, small communities and cultural onclaves are the way to go. Once you get too big there is no real representation in government. IE: the senator from Montana and Wyoming represent about 600, 000 people. While LA county has 11 million. These two senators do not have to even worry about their constituents-- they are home free with outsiders paying for their political campaigns and they support the big spenders to them not what is best for their state or their country.

Keeping communities small enough to hold their reps accountable is the only way to have representative government. That is the first step and the next is mandatory education in the rights and responsibilities of citizens before they have neither.

[panopticon]

In historical context, and especially in the context of the blood of Palestinians flowing in the streets, from yet another genocidal attack by Israel, and supported once again by the USA, this places the people of Palestine in a much safer atmosphere.

I don't believe that your thinking is wrong, but geopolitically premature. It is just the clash of theory and reality. The living, breathing people currently in Palestine needed this - now.

The concept of whether to drop national boundaries and declare ourselves citizens of planet Earth may also be a bit premature, realistically. Again, I agree in theory, but in reality, there are powerful, nefarious forces that want to consolidate power into a their own version of the "one." In our hearts, it is one world brotherhood/sisterhood; to them it is one world government and one world central banking. I believe we (citizens) had better gain massively more control of our governance before we even think about tackling the step of dropping the borders.


G'day Dennis,

I did not mean to implying any "citizen of the world" rhetoric. Apologies if I inadvertently did.

I was simply stating that the processes at the UN re-enforce the notion of the nation-state (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_state), which originated largely in the 18th/19th Century (in the early post empire period) in part as a means for local elites (amongst others) to consolidate power in their hands. This presents the position that nation-state and global political co-operation (ie governance) are the only suitable option. The nation-state is, and always has been, a means of creating an artificial dichotomy (us/them mentality) that leads to the consolidation of power and control (just as empires and their provinces did before them). The present globalisation of political processes removes power further from the individual and while making nation-states central to the political process also moves the power further towards other entities (for example Multi-national Corporations, IMF, World Bank and the UN).

I agree that Palestinian recognition within this system of dominance is advantageous to them, and did not mean to imply otherwise, however I always seek to explore the way some levels of control and power are exerted.

For example:
Abbas has followed the Israeli/US lead on a number of occasions (Goldstone report (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Fact_Finding_Mission_on_the_Gaza_Conflict) vote for example) and I see this as a means for Abbas to consolidate power for himself and Fatah (particularly given the rise of Hamas since Jabari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Jabari) cooperated with Israel [via Egypt] in the prisoner exchange (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit_prisoner_exchange) resulting in the release of Shilat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit)). This also feeds into the recent Gaza Strip (Hamas & various factions)/Israeli Government aggressions (which formerly started with the assassination of Jabari) as it had left Hamas with more power and control resulting in a loss for Fatah. Abbas could not postpone the vote (which was almost certainly going to be in the PA favour) as it would have shown weakness and the buzzards were already circling.

The people, as always, were the innocent victims of this.

It is about time that a Palestinian State was recognised, in some way or another, however it actually means little on the ground in the West Bank unless it results in
a withdrawal of "settlers" from the West Bank and
freedom of movement within their "State" for the Palestinians.


Yes, the Palestinian Authority now has access to the ICC, and other UN procedures and processes, and this may result in increased leverage for the PA in negotiations with the Israeli/US governments.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

[David Trd1]

This is good day....

If the foreign policy arm of the US and Israeli declare this to be a bad thing and counterproductive to peace,knowing their double news-speak that reads like this:''its counterproductive to war and the world Israel lobby hopes for the region and future conflict strategy''.

This is a happy day and a small victory for the Palestinian people,It further legitimizes their existence and rights which Israel has historically and currently denied and subverted.It also exposes Israel for what they at the very least have become,a pariah state,isolated and behind world hopes and opinions for the region.

For too long the world has slept and willingly bent itself over a barrel while it had its way with us,whilst whipping the Palestinian people at the same.

This is a good day and a just day.Nothing like this would ever have happened 10-20 years ago,there is hope and heart there for those that wish to see it.

Peace.

Dave

[modwiz]

I used to believe in a united world. I was naive. After much life experience, small communities and cultural onclaves are the way to go. Once you get too big there is no real representation in government. IE: the senator from Montana and Wyoming represent about 600, 000 people. While LA county has 11 million. These two senators do not have to even worry about their constituents-- they are home free with outsiders paying for their political campaigns and they support the big spenders to them not what is best for their state or their country.

Keeping communities small enough to hold their reps accountable is the only way to have representative government. That is the first step and the next is mandatory education in the rights and responsibilities of citizens before they have neither.

I heartily agree.

[modwiz]

It is about time that a Palestinian State was recognised, in some way or another, however it actually means little on the ground in the West Bank unless it results in
a withdrawal of "settlers" from the West Bank and
freedom of movement within their "State" for the Palestinians.


Yes, the Palestinian Authority now has access to the ICC, and other UN procedures and processes, and this may result in increased leverage for the PA in negotiations with the Israeli/US governments.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

Since much of what happens depends on legalese, this could make a huge difference. Obama has taken curious action lately. His ignored memo about dangers from within and now his support for whistleblowers. Yes, he made the wrongs sounds to our ears about Palestine. The plot is unfolding and it looks to get interesting. There is a storm brewing and it just may clear out a lot of sh!t.

[Czarek]

yet again, another division. Seems that we have a long way for humanity to be one.

[Robert J. Niewiadomski]

Hi

This is official voting statistics taken from UN page on the event.
Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/ga11317.doc.htm


ANNEX

Vote on Status of Palestine at United Nations

The draft resolution on the Status of Palestine at the United Nations (document A/67/L.28) was adopted by a recorded vote of 138 in favour to 9 against, with 41 abstentions, as follows:

In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against: Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Panama, United States.

Abstain: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Estonia, Fiji, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland ( :( ), Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tonga, United Kingdom, Vanuatu.

Absent: Equatorial Guinea, Kiribati, Liberia, Madagascar, Ukraine.

[Flash]

yet again, another division. Seems that we have a long way for humanity to be one.

well, the division was already there and quite drastic. Nothing would have happened on that front in terms of reunification or just plain getting along. This may help for the getting along in the long run. Anyhow, pretty much everything had been tried if we put apart complete anihilation of Palestine arabs. Something else has to be tried. imho

Although I agree with you in the long run for the planet itself and us on it. As long as we are organised with and through people of heart and wisdom, which is definitely not the case at the present time.

[ulli]

When individuals learn to balance the apparent paradox of oneness and division
and accept that it will never be an _either-or_ matter,
that will be the moment when the world can move out of duality at last.

When all desire for domination is replaced by a desire for co-operation,
and genuine win-win scenarios, then the human race 'might' unite.
But then comes the next issue...
what to do about the hybrid ETs?
And before that we'll have to throw all those mullah's and their Korans
into a few international bank buildings and torch the lot. ;) ;)

[Dennis Leahy]

In historical context, and especially in the context of the blood of Palestinians flowing in the streets, from yet another genocidal attack by Israel, and supported once again by the USA, this places the people of Palestine in a much safer atmosphere.

I don't believe that your thinking is wrong, but geopolitically premature. It is just the clash of theory and reality. The living, breathing people currently in Palestine needed this - now.

The concept of whether to drop national boundaries and declare ourselves citizens of planet Earth may also be a bit premature, realistically. Again, I agree in theory, but in reality, there are powerful, nefarious forces that want to consolidate power into a their own version of the "one." In our hearts, it is one world brotherhood/sisterhood; to them it is one world government and one world central banking. I believe we (citizens) had better gain massively more control of our governance before we even think about tackling the step of dropping the borders.


G'day Dennis,

I did not mean to implying any "citizen of the world" rhetoric. Apologies if I inadvertently did.

I was simply stating that the processes at the UN re-enforce the notion of the nation-state (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_state), which originated largely in the 18th/19th Century (in the early post empire period) in part as a means for local elites (amongst others) to consolidate power in their hands. This presents the position that nation-state and global political co-operation (ie governance) are the only suitable option. The nation-state is, and always has been, a means of creating an artificial dichotomy (us/them mentality) that leads to the consolidation of power and control (just as empires and their provinces did before them). The present globalisation of political processes removes power further from the individual and while making nation-states central to the political process also moves the power further towards other entities (for example Multi-national Corporations, IMF, World Bank and the UN).

I agree that Palestinian recognition within this system of dominance is advantageous to them, and did not mean to imply otherwise, however I always seek to explore the way some levels of control and power are exerted.

For example:
Abbas has followed the Israeli/US lead on a number of occasions (Goldstone report (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Fact_Finding_Mission_on_the_Gaza_Conflict) vote for example) and I see this as a means for Abbas to consolidate power for himself and Fatah (particularly given the rise of Hamas since Jabari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Jabari) cooperated with Israel [via Egypt] in the prisoner exchange (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit_prisoner_exchange) resulting in the release of Shilat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilad_Shalit)). This also feeds into the recent Gaza Strip (Hamas & various factions)/Israeli Government aggressions (which formerly started with the assassination of Jabari) as it had left Hamas with more power and control resulting in a loss for Fatah. Abbas could not postpone the vote (which was almost certainly going to be in the PA favour) as it would have shown weakness and the buzzards were already circling.

The people, as always, were the innocent victims of this.

It is about time that a Palestinian State was recognised, in some way or another, however it actually means little on the ground in the West Bank unless it results in

a withdrawal of "settlers" from the West Bank and
freedom of movement within their "State" for the Palestinians.



Yes, the Palestinian Authority now has access to the ICC, and other UN procedures and processes, and this may result in increased leverage for the PA in negotiations with the Israeli/US governments.
Kind Regards, :yo:
PanopticonExcellent clarification and expansion on the topic, Panopticon. Yes, I took off sideways when I read "nation-state" as negative. I always read what I consider to be (at least somewhat) utopian political/apolitical ideologies and wonder about the missing steps - the real-world sequence of steps to get there from where we are. This is especially true in worldview utopian concepts (say, for example, the vision of the former combination of the Zeitgeist Movement and the Venus Project.) So, I erroneously read-into your ("nation-state") words a utopian, borderless world.

I'm all about getting power to the individual, and though the current governance infrastructure of (for example) the USA is hierarchically inverted, my personal energy has not been spent in trying to redefine the ideal or utopian governance infrastructure (which might be as radical as a self-governing "tribal" infrastructure for local, shared resources, with emphasis on individual sovereignty for everything else), - off the top of my head - but rather I put my energy in what I believe is a realistic, crucial step one towards any real social change away from the status quo: that is, citizens gaining control of governance.

Trying to segue that back to Palestine, I admit to being so much an outsider, and an outsider that is getting filtered 'news' even from alternative sources, that I have no real idea what the wisest next steps are for the Palestinian people. I see your point that this recognition of the Palestinian state could be used to further consolidate power in the hands of few Palestinian people, but suspect that, due to survival mode and near-survival mode conditions, the people have not had the time to work out their governance issues to implement them from the outset. It would be great if someone could propose and offer a model to the Palestinian people so they would see an option to being herded toward an empowered Fatah as the only option. That, and to shout from the wings, "hold onto as much individual sovereignty and power as you can!"

Dennis

[Kiforall]

Recieved this email today, can't even remember what I did. LOL

A few minutes ago, the UN voted overwhelmingly to recognise Palestine as the world's 194th state!!! It’s a huge victory for the Palestinian people, for peace, for our community, and people across the world are joining with massive crowds in Palestine to celebrate.

The Palestinian people's journey to freedom is far from over. But this is a powerful step, and our community played a key role in it. Palestine's Ambassador to Europe said today:

"Avaaz and its members across the world have played a crucial role in persuading governments to support the Palestinian people's bid for a state and for freedom and peace. They have stood with us throughout and their solidarity and support will be remembered and cherished across Palestine." - Leila Shahid, General Palestinian Delegate to Europe

Brussels Action: While EU leaders were met, THIS was happening right outside their windows

Madrid Action: Avaaz members want Spain PM Rajoy to say YES!
The US and Israeli governments, beholden to extreme lobby groups (yes, sadly even Obama has given in), threw everything they had at crushing this vote, using financial threats and even threatening to overthrow the Palestinian President if he went ahead. Europe was the key swing vote, and under intense US pressure, leaders were, just two weeks ago, leaning towards not supporting the Palestinian state. Knowing the stakes, our community responded with the speed and democratic force that we needed to win:

Nearly 1.8 million of us signed the petition calling for statehood.

Thousands of us donated to fund public opinion polls across Europe -- showing that a whopping 79% of Europeans supported a Palestinian state. Our polls were plastered all over the media, and repeatedly cited in Parliamentary debates in the UK, Spain and France!

We sent tens of thousands of emails, Facebook messages and Tweets to leaders across Europe and made thousands of calls to foreign ministries and heads of state.

We unfurled a giant 4-storey banner outside the EU Commission in Brussels (right) while leaders were meeting inside. Then, we staged another stunt in Madrid. Previously, we had sailed a flotilla of ships past the UN calling for a vote. Our actions made headlines all over Europe.

Avaaz staff and members met with dozens and dozens of government ministers, top advisors, senior journalists, parliamentarians and thought leaders in each of the key countries, in many cases teaming up to win over leaders one by one through advocacy, pressure, parliamentary resolutions and public statements, always drawing on the surge in people power behind this cause.

We reached out to key thought leaders like Stéphane Hessel, a 94-year old survivor of Nazi concentration camps, and Ron Pundak, an Israeli who played a key role in Oslo peace process, to speak out in favour of statehood.

One by one, key European states broke with the US to answer the call of justice and their peoples. In the final vote tally we got just now, only 9 countries out of 193 have voted against! France, Spain, Italy, Sweden and most of Europe has voted for Palestine.

The US and Israel argued first that statehood was dangerous for peace, and then, when they'd lost, that it didn't matter and the vote was just symbolic. But if it were just symbolic they wouldn't have done everything to try and stop it. And after years of bad-faith negotiations and Israeli comfort with the status quo as they steadily colonize more Palestinian land, this move shows the US and Israel that if they do not engage in good faith, the Palestinians and the world are prepared to move forward without them. It's a more balanced basis for real peace talks. And that's the best alternative to the kind of violence we saw Israel's government and Hamas offer in Gaza this month.

For decades the Palestinian people have suffered under a stifling Israeli military dictatorship, repressive controls on their travel and work, continual denial of their rights and the constant threat of insecurity and violence. 65 years ago today, the UN recognized the state of Israel, beginning a path to the establishment of a safe home for the Jewish people. Today the Palestinians take a step down the same path, and gain a dignity in the eyes of the international community that they have been denied for a generation. And from that dignity, we can build the foundations of peace.

With hope and joy,

Ricken, Alice, Ari, Wissam, Allison, Sam, Julien, Pascal, Wen, Pedro, Saravanan, Emma, Ben, Dalia, Alexey, Paul, Marie, Aldine, Luca, Jamie, Morgan and the whole Avaaz team.

PS Here are some sources - The Associated Press covers today's victory, the Guardian covers our polling two weeks ago, Avaaz's Daily Briefing provides a map of the vote result, and Haaretz describes Israel's response.

[kaon]

Good for the Palestinians to finally have a voice at the U.N. It is long overdue. Since they are victims of oppression and atrocities it is only fair that they get to speak out. .

Not surprising that Hillary Clinton has injected her venom on the subject. How can she say on one hand that she favors a Palestinian state, but vehemently opposes them having a voice at the U.N.? Why are some countries afraid of the Palestinian voices? I believe that the US and Israel have lost one of their control factors. Israel can cut off the internet and news outlets from them but they can't censor speech at the U.N. That's the bottom line.

[panopticon]

G'day Dennis,

Thanks for the response.

I agree that utopian visions serve little purpose other than to distract.

A more participatory approach requires an engaged community and this is at odds with the present system. Educating people requires them to be interested and, as we all know, most people in the "West" are distracted (for example by work, debt, TV, sports, religion, what happened to Justin "Bloody" Bieber) and busy just trying to get by.

That is part of the allure and problem with "representative democracy" (as Write4change alluded to in an earlier post).

As with all things this is incredibly complex and inter-related, however there are many different ways that have been proposed as a means of achieving this (for example syndicalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syndicalism), cellular democracy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_democracy), libertarian municipalism (http://www.social-ecology.org/1991/04/libertarian-municipalism-an-overview/)) but they all require engaging the individual, which is virtually impossible unless something directly affects them.

There are no simple solutions and that is why representative democracy works. People get tired of struggle and want to rest. They willingly give their power, on many levels, to those who give them the opportunity to get that rest.
Kind Regards, :yo:
Panopticon

[panopticon]

The Israeli Government has announce that it will increasing the number of "settler homes" in the West Bank:



Israel to build 3,000 settler homes after UN vote (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20552391)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64488000/jpg/_64488863_1717c569-c3f9-48bd-bce0-7df7b6a0e84b.jpg

Israel has authorised the construction of 3,000 more housing units in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to Israeli officials.

It is also speeding up the processing of 1,000 planning permissions.

The decision comes a day after a vote at the UN General Assembly upgraded the Palestinians' status at the UN to that of non-member observer state.

The US said the expansion plan was counterproductive and would make it harder to resume peace talks.

"We reiterate our longstanding opposition to settlements and East Jerusalem construction and announcements," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

Earlier Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an end to settlement building and a return to peace talks.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some of the new units would be built between Jerusalem and the settlement of Maaleh Adumim.

Plans to build settlements in the area, known as E1, are strongly opposed by Palestinians, who say the development will cut the West Bank in two, preventing the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state.

The move is a first indication of Israeli anger, less than 24 hours after the vote on Palestinian status was held at the UN, the BBC's Kevin Connolly in Jerusalem reports.

The Palestinians may well have been expecting this - or something like it - but it is a reminder that the gulf between the two on the settlement issue remains huge, our correspondent adds.

"It is an act of Israeli aggression against a state, and the world needs to take up its responsibilities," senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi told the AFP news agency.

Earlier this month, a paper by the Israeli foreign ministry described the Palestinians' pushing for the vote as "crossing a red line that will require the harshest Israeli response".

About 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built since the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

'Political theatre'
Earlier on Friday, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said the UN vote was "negative political theatre" that would "hurt peace".

The General Assembly voted by 138-9 to recognise the Palestinians as a non-member observer state, with 41 states abstaining.

The Palestinians can now take part in UN debates and potentially join bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said it was the "last chance to save the two-state solution" with Israel.

Two decades of on-off negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank have failed to produce a permanent settlement, with the latest round of direct negotiations breaking down in 2010.

In January, several months of indirect "proximity talks" ended without any progress.

Palestinian negotiators insist that the building of Jewish settlements on occupied land must stop before they agree to resume direct talks.

Their Israeli counterparts say there can be no preconditions.

Mr Abbas was much criticised by many Palestinians for remaining on the sidelines of the conflict between the militant Hamas movement and Israel earlier this month in Gaza.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64488000/gif/_64488565_israel_jeruslaem_464_e1.gif

Source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20552391).

[Flash]

Israel is showing the finger to the UN and its decision about Palestine.



The Israeli Government has announce that it will increasing the number of "settler homes" in the West Bank:



Israel to build 3,000 settler homes after UN vote (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20552391)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64488000/jpg/_64488863_1717c569-c3f9-48bd-bce0-7df7b6a0e84b.jpg

Israel has authorised the construction of 3,000 more housing units in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, according to Israeli officials.

It is also speeding up the processing of 1,000 planning permissions.

The decision comes a day after a vote at the UN General Assembly upgraded the Palestinians' status at the UN to that of non-member observer state.

The US said the expansion plan was counterproductive and would make it harder to resume peace talks.

"We reiterate our longstanding opposition to settlements and East Jerusalem construction and announcements," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

Earlier Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an end to settlement building and a return to peace talks.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said some of the new units would be built between Jerusalem and the settlement of Maaleh Adumim.

Plans to build settlements in the area, known as E1, are strongly opposed by Palestinians, who say the development will cut the West Bank in two, preventing the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state.

The move is a first indication of Israeli anger, less than 24 hours after the vote on Palestinian status was held at the UN, the BBC's Kevin Connolly in Jerusalem reports.

The Palestinians may well have been expecting this - or something like it - but it is a reminder that the gulf between the two on the settlement issue remains huge, our correspondent adds.

"It is an act of Israeli aggression against a state, and the world needs to take up its responsibilities," senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi told the AFP news agency.

Earlier this month, a paper by the Israeli foreign ministry described the Palestinians' pushing for the vote as "crossing a red line that will require the harshest Israeli response".

About 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built since the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

'Political theatre'
Earlier on Friday, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said the UN vote was "negative political theatre" that would "hurt peace".

The General Assembly voted by 138-9 to recognise the Palestinians as a non-member observer state, with 41 states abstaining.

The Palestinians can now take part in UN debates and potentially join bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said it was the "last chance to save the two-state solution" with Israel.

Two decades of on-off negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank have failed to produce a permanent settlement, with the latest round of direct negotiations breaking down in 2010.

In January, several months of indirect "proximity talks" ended without any progress.

Palestinian negotiators insist that the building of Jewish settlements on occupied land must stop before they agree to resume direct talks.

Their Israeli counterparts say there can be no preconditions.

Mr Abbas was much criticised by many Palestinians for remaining on the sidelines of the conflict between the militant Hamas movement and Israel earlier this month in Gaza.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64488000/gif/_64488565_israel_jeruslaem_464_e1.gif

Source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20552391).

[Rocky_Shorz]

A new state. I wonder what the borders will be? This could get interesting.

Israel just announced they are going to build 200,000 homes on Palestine lands...

empty the embassy and pull all troops from the middle east now...

Israel wants to get washed into the sea...

keep a few boats around to toss them life preservers

[modwiz]

A new state. I wonder what the borders will be? This could get interesting.

Israel just announced they are going to build 200,000 homes on Palestine lands...

empty the embassy and pull all troops from the middle east now...

Israel wants to get washed into the sea...

keep a few boats around to toss them life preservers

The leadership there is used to getting its way, alot. What happened in the UN is system shock. Doing nothing is not an option for their nervous systems or emotionally. This new plan is to be expected. I see a lot of plans around the world starting to shift. We have a front seat to something different unfolding. The good guys might start winning. That includes the good people anywhere. Borders serve purposes of functionality and I support them. When it comes to love, let there be no borders.

[Fred Steeves]

So, the U.N. is taking a little break from favorite passtimes such as Agenda 21, war, sex slavery, and global domination, to stick up for the little guy all of a sudden? I think not so much. Like being in the audience at a magic show, all I can think is "watch the other hand".

[Butangeld]

This seems to me to be very good news. The inhumanity experienced by the Palestinian needs to end.

I'd like to direct your attention to history and perhaps a lesson to be learned in how the world works (or used to work, lets hope not so much now).

http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/How-the-world-voted-640x446.jpg

Here we see how the votes were played. Back before world war 2 the elite lived in pretty much the same places indicated in red on this map; USA, UK (might as well be red). If it were not for the making by the elite then Hitler would not have found the right conditions in Germany to sell his BS to 'his' people. Now today we have the elite making the conditions right for continued mayhem in Israel. It's not the same story, but the recipe is the same and I'm trying to remind us who the real villains are.

I found this quote from Robert de Niro the other day:

There was an interview on Fox News with Robert De Niro as the guest. The host asked Robert about events related to Gaza.

Robert replied: “Why do we blame Israel or the Israelis for what they do?”

The host was shocked because he knows that De Niro is always declaring his sympathy with Palestine.

De Niro looked at the host and saw his confusion.....…so he continued:
“Ok let me explain, if you were bitten by a mad infected dog, who will you blame? the dog or its owner? Definitely the owner, so, all the blame is on the USA Government’s shoulders for adopting and supporting a state like Israel”

The madmen are encouraged. Their people (subjects) are fueled by fear and paranoia. For the Israeli this means being aware of the hell unleashed on the Palestinian, and becoming ever more fearful that if they don't club them harder then they will be attacked in the same way. For the Palestinian, they are beyond normal fear, fear is a constant in their daily lives, this means playing the sacrificial offering for the elite; the masters of us all. Blood sacrifice has always been the way with the elite hasn't it?

[Czarek]

yet again, another division. Seems that we have a long way for humanity to be one.

well, the division was already there and quite drastic. Nothing would have happened on that front in terms of reunification or just plain getting along. This may help for the getting along in the long run..

Yes, I absolutely agree with you on that. Little steps in the right direction. It's just how many people have to die, and over what is what gets me...