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RAMALLAH. — Palestinians are pressing for internationalising their cause in the hope of ending the Israeli occupation of their lands.

The Palestinians’ moves at the international level started in 2010 with an attempt to become a member state at the UN Security Council. After that bid failed, Palestinians were granted a non-member state status at the UN’s General Assembly in 2011.

In April, Palestine became a member of the International Criminal Court.

Palestinian officials say that they are planning to file lawsuits in the world tribunal on issues that are considered war crimes, such as the last war in Gaza, the Jewish settlement building and as well as withholding the Palestinian tax revenues.

“In the last few years, the internationalisation was probably an attempt to strengthen the Palestinian position in any future negotiations. Now, the PNA looks to exit the Oslo cycle in a smart way by seeking the world’s help,” political scientist Ahmed Rafiq Awad told Xinhua, pointing out to a difference in the PNA’s approach when it comes to the internationalisation efforts.

Awad added that the PNA sought the international community’s help after believing that Israel has turned its back on the peace process, refusing peace proposals and intensifying Jewish settlement building on Palestinian lands.

“The PNA is afraid of political bankruptcy and it found itself in a position where it can show people that there are other options in face of the occupation,” he explained.

Palestinian officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that Palestinians do not want to be pushed to the corner in a region that shifted its focus to other flammable issues such as the military campaign in Yemen and the Iranian nuclear deal.

Awad explained that there is a European support to the internationalisation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by pressuring Israel to change its policies.

“Even the US somehow agrees to these efforts. Israel has challenged the international community and even the US administration in some cases. The world wants to punish Israel for its acts,” Awad added.

Palestinian officials called on the international community to hold an international peace conference to set a deadline to end the Israeli occupation.

“The five permanent members (of the UNSC) should convene a meeting to hold a conference to ensure a gradual Israeli withdrawal in two to three years under international supervision,” Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat said.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Erekat said that the time has come to end the occupation, calling on the US and European countries to recognise the Palestinian state. — Xinhua.