Palestinians have been celebrating after the United Nations voted in favour of recognising the state of Palestine. The General Assembly voted 138 Yes, 9 No with 41 abstentions to elevate the territory to a ‘non-member observer state’.

Observers have the right to speak at United Nations General Assembly meetings as well as to participate in procedural votes but not to vote on resolutions and other substantive matters.

However Israeli Embassy spokesperson Jonathan Peled is warning the Palestinians against trying to involve the International Criminal Court in its disputes:

 UN appeal for peace

The vote followed speeches by the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor. Earlier yesterday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon stressed the urgency of stepping up efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track: “Achieving the 2-State solution, to which both Israel and the Palestinians have committed, is long overdue”

Mr. Ban said: “I call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to show vision and determination. I also urge the international community to help them forge a credible political path that will meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides”. 

The Israelis and Palestinians have yet to resume direct negotiations since talks stalled in September 2010 after Israel refused to extend its freeze on settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Tension in the region increased as violence broke out earlier this month with rocket attacks against Israel from Gaza and Israeli air strikes on Gaza.

 The 8 days of violence left an estimated 158 Palestinians dead including 103 civilians and approximately 1,269 injured.  6 Israelis – 4 civilians and 2 soldiers – were reportedly killed by Palestinian rocket fire and 224 Israelis were injured, the vast majority civilians.

The violence ended when a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas was declared on November 21st in Cairo.