UN Security Council rejected a Palestinian-drafted resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within three years. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, slammed the move, stating in a televised address that "the whole world hates this occupation," but a minority in the international community and countless US vetoes were granting impunity to Israel. The resolution received eight votes in favor, including from Russia, China and France - three of the council's five permanent members -just one short of the nine required votes it needed to pass. The United States - Israel's closest ally and veto-wielding-power on the council - and non-permanent council member Australia voted against the motion. Five other members, including Britain, abstained.
