Palestine has a voice in international arena

Abbas Zaki, a member of Fatah's central committee, believes that a new era has begun in the Palestinian story after 138 states supported a Palestinian state at the United Nations. He believes the Palestinian masses are not just celebrating a new state but the opportunity to face the looming Israeli challenge. Zaki said in an interview with Arabstoday that Mahmoud Abbas has defined a new language with which to resist the occupation. "We are nominated by a host of parties to execute the peace process and resist the occupation," stated Zaki. With that in mind, the Palestinian leadership will not waive the right of return along with other fundamental Palestinian rights, Zaki added. There is an expectation for the government to consider the people and their unity as its top priority, Zaki said, barely concealing his happiness at the sight of only Palestinian flags during recent statehood celebrations. "A state cannot be realised in the presence of rival factions," Zaki claimed. Speaking about the current situation with Hamas, Zaki said: "I appreciate their support and struggle as they are part of us. We acquired the state to protect them because the Israeli Minister of Defence Ehud Barak went to America to instigate a new war in the Gaza Strip after his last defeat. Now he will be aware that the battle is in all of Palestine after we found a voice in the highest political and international institution." When asked about those who say that statehood is not a big achievement as long as the occupation still exists, Zaki replied: "There are a lot of positives to come out of this declaration - such as proving our right to exist." Zaki said there were even positives from Israel's decision to build the E1 settlement in response to the Palestinian statehood bid. "America, who always used to stand against us, was the first to condemn the settlement because there is now an international commitment to a Palestinian state. International law states that the West Bank and the Gaza Strip according to June 1967 borders are Palestinian land. All the settlements are illegitimate according to international law." He said that Israel had rejected the Palestinian state and now, because of Resolution 181, Palestinians can reject the Israeli state. "We gave everything for peace but if they insist on rejecting our state we will reject them as well," said Zaki. "Now," Zaki continues, "we can convince the world to have Israel stand before the International Criminal Court. We deserve this right because of our martyrs, the suffering and the struggle of our people." The Palestinian people are not afraid any more - they have retained their dignity - Zaki believes. President Abbas said that even the countries, which abstained from voting, called to congratulate him. Now President Abbas has succeeded is getting back at Israel with diplomacy.