Fatah convention expected to reaffirm call to resist Israel

In Bethlehem, the Fatah movement led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is holding its first party convention in 20 years. A draft platform for discussion calls for a boost of the "fight against the settlements, the separation fence and the Judaization of Jerusalem, through civil means and restrained violence." The text, to be discussed at the congress, states that Palestinians should not accept Israel as a Jewish state. It leaves the option of "armed struggle" on the charter of Fatah if peace talks with Israel fail, and does not rule out a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and Gaza Strip if peace negotiations remain at a stalemate.

In his opening speech to the 1,900 delegates, Abbas said Palestinians sought peace with Israel but "resistance" would remain an option. "Although peace is our choice, we reserve the right to resistance, legitimate under international law," he said, using a term that encompasses armed confrontation as well as non-violent protests.