RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on his people to support an independence bid this fall with “popular resistance.”
Abbas insists the protests should remain peaceful. Israeli officials fear that mass gatherings could quickly spin into a new wave of violence.
With peace talks stalled since 2008, the Palestinians have said they will ask the United Nations to recognize their state in September. Israel and the U.S. oppose the move, saying Palestinian statehood should only be achieved through negotiations.
The U.N. vote is largely symbolic, but the Palestinians hope an international endorsement would put heavy pressure on Israel.
Abbas’ call Wednesday for peaceful protests indicates he is preparing for a confrontation with Israel and the U.S.
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