Q&A: Palestinian bid for upgraded UN status

President Abbas received a standing ovation when
he delivered his application to the UN last September

The Palestinians are to ask the United Nations to upgrade their status to become a "non-member observer state" by the end of 2012. 

It follows a failed bid to join the international body as a full member state in 2011 because of a lack of support in the UN Security Council.

Here is a guide to what is likely to happen and its significance. 

Ceasefire, Peace Treaty are not enough for Israel that wants full control over Palestine

Israel ministry paper proposes 'toppling' Abbas over UN bid

 “Start Quote

We take Israel's threats seriously and we do not rule out any attempt on Israel's part to hurt the president”  - Saeb Erekat Chief Palestinian negotiator

Who blasted the bus? 'with other means' and shall use them

Before Mrs Clinton’s visit, Mr Netanyahu said ‘‘I prefer a diplomatic solution, I hope that we can get one,
but if not,

 we have every right to defend ourselves with other means and we shall use them"

why is essential to de-escalate the Israel-Gaza situation?

In Jerusalem, Mrs Clinton said,

‘‘The American commitment to Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,’’ at a brief press appearance with Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, before the two entered closed-door talks.

‘‘That is why we believe it is essential to de-escalate the situation’’ in the Palestinian territory, she said, also welcoming Egyptian mediation efforts.

truce agreed after bloody Gaza conflict

'Calm must return': truce agreed after bloody Gaza conflict

Ceasefire for now, what about next elections?

Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect 
 Israel, Hamas ceasefire starts at 6am AEDT (22Nov'12)

'Israelis talk about fear, we Palestinians talk about death'

The current war in Gaza will lead to little other than more dead civilians and a fresh impetus to fight, say its residents

Why do journalists and media companies pretend the battle between Israel and Hamas is an even one?

 On one side you've got three generations of a family wiped out. On the other, a woman's got to ring Autoglass.
And we act like this is battle whose fate is in the balance