With This Vote, Palestine Is No Longer Alone

Naturally, the first question I’d like to ask in this situation is how do you feel?

I feel that with this historical event, we have once again drawn Palestine on the geographical map. Today I felt that we are no longer alone. More than two-thirds of the countries of the world stood alongside us. I want our people to know that the majority of the people of the world are now standing beside us. This was a message to all Palestinians, that they should not lose hope. The day when the Palestinian flag is hoisted on top of the UN building is not far away and soon this flag will be mounted in the capitals of all countries of the world.

How do you assess the number of votes in favor of the Palestinian state? What are the possible consequences of this vote for the Zionists?

Obtaining the votes of more than two-thirds of the countries of the world is very significant. This vote was a great victory for Palestine and it was achieved through the sacrifice of all Palestinian people. We express our gratitude to all the countries which voted for us. This vote showed that future equations for Israel will not be the same as in the past, because, with today's vote, the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem will be recognized as an occupied country and no one can ever doubt this matter. Based on international pacts, Israel must withdraw from occupied territories, including Jerusalem, and discontinue settlement-building. Following this vote, Israel, more than ever before, will be pressured to stop the construction of settlements.

The US was one of the few countries which gave a negative vote to this matter. What impacts will this measure have on your approach towards the US?

We have not come here to fight with the US. We have come here to achieve our rights. This is a long path and we are just taking the first steps.

Considering the US’ negative vote, do you still believe that the Americans are suitable mediators for the Middle East peace talks?

We look at governments and their actions based on their pursuit of their interests. The US stands completely by Israel and blindly supports it. We, as Arabs and Muslims, are obliged to comprehend how to talk with Washington with the language of the same interests that they talk with. But it seems that we have not yet learned this lesson.

What will the next step be for Palestinians after achieving this legal acceptance?

National reconciliation! God willing, our next victory will be national reconciliation and solidarity. Palestine and Jerusalem are more important than us individuals; hence, the next step will be national reconciliation between Hamas, Fatah, and other groups of resistance. Let me be frank. Today, we have just taken the first step and this is not the end. I tell all Palestinians and Arabs that our path forward is very difficult; but what is important is that Palestine was officially recognized as a country with eastern Jerusalem as its capital.