Palestinians, Israeli Should Reach Peace Deal Next Year, UN Says

According to the draft resolution, submitted Wednesday by the UN Security Council, it is necessary, in no later than 12 months after the adoption of the resolution, to achieve a "just, lasting and comprehensive" peace settlement that will put an end to the "Israeli occupation."

UNITED NATIONS, December 18 (Sputnik) — The draft of the Palestinian resolution, which was submitted to the UN Security Council, sets a deadline of 12 months for Israel to move its forces from Palestinian territories.

According to the draft resolution, submitted Wednesday, it is necessary, in no later than 12 months after the adoption of the resolution, to achieve a "just, lasting and comprehensive" peace settlement that will put an end to the "Israeli occupation."

Earlier on Wednesday, Palestinians' representative to the United Nations Riyad Mansour stated that the draft resolution was presented to the Security Council by Jordan.

On the same day, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, calling for the recognition of the Palestinian Authority as a sovereign state.

Palestinians have long sought an independent state in West Bank, including the disputed city of East Jerusalem, as well as the Gaza Strip exclave.

In October, Palestinians said they would submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, demanding that the Israelis end their occupation and move the settlements, considered illegal by the European Union, from the territories by November 2016.