The Arab League is backing the campaign for recognition of an independent Palestinian state at the United Nations. At a meeting in Qatar, Arab League members agreed to ask the United Nations to accord Palestinians full member status in the General Assembly. Palestinian leaders want the United Nations to recognize an independent state in the Occupied Territories with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Obama administration has vigorously campaigned against the move, and Congress has approved a measure threatening Palestinians with a cutoff of aid if they persist. In Ramallah, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the United States to end its support for the occupation.

Saeb Erekat: “After the Israeli government has refused the principle of a two-state solution on the basis of 1967, after the Israeli government has refused to halt settlements, I believe it’s time for the American administration, if it truly wants peace, security and democracy in this region, to stop treating Israel like a state above the law, to stop providing the protection for the Israeli actions.”