Palestinian authority could address UN over Israeli settlement boycott

Palestinian diplomats could address the United Nations concerning a boycott of Israeli settlements if peace talks fail, a Palestinian diplomat said Monday. The diplomat said that officials could address the boycott of “everything related to Israeli settlements,” reported the Palestinian news agency Maan. Practical steps taken by the European Union and financial institutions have laid the groundwork for the Palestinian leadership “to give us the green light so we can take practical moves and openly ask the UN General Assembly to announce that it is forbidden for states and international companies and agencies to deal with settlements.” “One may say that such a decision by the General Assembly wouldn’t be binding, but if 50 countries show readiness to this boycott, that will be a triumph,” added the diplomat. The PA could also apply to join the International Criminal Court and complain about “war crimes” such as illegal settlements.