Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told reporters upon his arrival to New York on Monday morning that Israel must recognize the Palestinian state and not miss an opportunity to achieve peace PNN reported.
Abbas said he expected a "very difficult situation" to develop after he submits the Palestinian request for statehood to the United Nations on Friday. He also said he had received a phone call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed with her the Palestinian approach to the Security Council.
Abbas also said he had spoken with King Abdullah II of Jordan and thanked him for his support of the Palestinian national movement.
Fatah called on its opponent Hamas to support Abbas' UN bid, asking that they "put the national interest of the Palestinian people above the factional interests."
Fatah spokesman Ahmed Assaf expressed surprise at Hamas' rejection of Abbas' Friday speech and asked the Islamist party to return immediately to efforts at reconciliation.