Palestine is set to push for the status of “observer state” at the UN allowing them to pursue cases against Israel at the International criminal Court, commented a senior Palestinian official.

The move would grant Palestine the same ranking as states such as the Vatican, and would require a majority backing in the 193-member UN General Assembly. Palestine’s earlier attempt to achieve “full statehood” through the UN Security Council last year failed in the face of fierce lobbying from Israel and their long time ally, the United States.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat indicated that the move would be significant, commenting,

"The day after (we get) non-member statehood, life will not be the same… Yes, the occupation will continue, the settlements will continue, the crimes of the settlers may continue, but there will be consequences."

"After the U.N. vote ... Palestine will become a country under occupation. Israel will not be able to say that this is a disputed area… The terms of reference for any negotiations will be about withdrawal, not over what the Israelis say is legal or not legal."

Crucially it would also allow Palestine to join various other agencies, in particular the International Criminal Court. allowing them to pursue cases against Israel.

Erekat went on to tell reporters,

"Those who don't want to appear before the international tribunals must stop their crimes and it is time for them to become accountable”.

See the report from Reuters here.