Palestinians plan to resubmit statehood bid to the UN

The Palestinian Authority says it intends to resubmit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for a Palestinian state to be established within the 1967 borders, despite a scathing attack by Hamas, saying that it remains "totally opposed" to the move.

"Such a step would be political foolishness which plays a dangerous game with the destiny of our nation," said Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri.

"Mahmoud Abbas and the leadership of the Palestinian Authority should completely stop this political foolishness."

The PA failed to win enough votes for the draft resolution when it was submitted last week.

Chile and Venezuela will vote in favour of the bid if we resubmit it to the UN Security Council. - Riyad al-Maliki

The resolution also addresses the Israeli aggression on Gaza in summer 2014 its ongoing settlement activities, deemed illegal under international law.

"One thing is for sure, next time we will be better prepared to secure a victory," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki told Palestine Radio Monday.

"Chile and Venezuela will vote in favour of the bid if we resubmit it to the UN Security Council," he said.

Maliki also said diplomatic efforts would focus on securing the votes of New Zealand, Angola, and Malaysia who have joined the UN body as non-permanent members.

Discussing the Palestinian delegation's application to join the International Criminal Court, Maliki said he would meet the ICC prosecutor at The Hague to prepare files detailing "Israeli war crimes". These focus on settlement activities and the 2014 Israeli war on Gaza.

"Settlement activities are a criminal activity that will be thoroughly investigated. We believe Israeli officials will be brought to trial for the offences they have committed," he added.

Hamas, the de facto governing body of the blockaded Gaza Strip, and Fatah, the political party dominating the Palestinian Authority, finally formed a national unity government in June 2014 after seven years of division and bitter rivalry.

The Palestinian Authority is expected soon to outline its plans to reinforce its diplomatic, legal and political standing.