Palestinians

Israel is set to summon ambassadors of countries that voted for full Palestinian U.N. membership "for a protest talk" on Sunday, a foreign ministry spokesman has said.

It came after the Palestinian Authority said it would "reconsider" its relationship with the United States after Washington vetoed the Palestinian membership bid earlier this week.

In a move sparking controversy and diplomatic ripples, the United States wielded its veto power at the United Nations to thwart a resolution advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state. The resolution, which recommended granting Palestine full membership in the organization, faced staunch opposition from the US, resulting in its ultimate rejection.

Palestinians are seen on the beach in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 30, 2024

Australia on Friday told its citizens to leave Israel if possible, citing a "high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks", issuing a similar warning for the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations is pushing for a vote to be recognized as a full member state next month, Ambassador Riyad Mansour has said, a move opposed by the United States.

"We are seeking admission. That is our natural and legal right," Mansour said, adding that he was pushing for an April 18 vote at the Security Council.

At a museum in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Gazan works on display are proclaimed to be an "ongoing artistic demonstration" in solidarity with the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

"This is not an exhibition," reads the sign at the entrance to the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, near Ramallah, showcasing art and heritage from the Gaza Strip.

French President Emmanuel Macron has signaled a significant shift in France's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that recognizing a Palestinian state is no longer off the table. Macron's comments, made on Friday, suggest that Paris may proceed with such recognition if efforts to establish two states through negotiations stall due to Israeli opposition.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated Türkiye's commitment to supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Fears that the Biden administration's bearish embrace of embattled Israel could "swallow" Israel alive have dramatically intensified this week, JNS writes.
On Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the administration is "actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with real security guarantees for Israel."

In a show of support for the Palestinian people and a plea for peace, Sofia witnessed a march that initially intended to commence from the National Palace of Culture. However, due to heightened police presence, participants gathered at the start of the pedestrian section of Vitosha Boulevard.

Those joining the peace march shared their sentiments:

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat says it won’t recognize Israel without a path to a Palestinian state