This story is free to read.

Palestinians plan next steps after failed UN bid

Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour waits for the start of a meeting of the U.N. Security Council Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the United Nations headquarters. The U.N. Security Council scheduled a vote Tuesday evening on a Palestinian resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation within three years, a proposal virtually certain to be defeated because of U.S. and Israeli opposition. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour waits for the start of a meeting of the U.N. Security Council Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the United Nations headquarters. The U.N. Security Council scheduled a vote Tuesday evening on a Palestinian resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation within three years, a proposal virtually certain to be defeated because of U.S. and Israeli opposition. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

By Associated Press December 31, 2014 1 min read

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) – Palestinian officials say their leadership is planning its next steps after a resolution to end Israel’s occupation was rejected by the U.N. Security Council, and could set a date for applying to join the International Criminal Court.

The U.N. vote was a blow to an Arab campaign for international action to achieve an independent Palestinian state.

The Palestinians have long vowed to join the ICC in order to press charges against Israel for alleged war crimes. But membership could expose the Palestinians to similar allegations.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said officials would hold a “very serious meeting” Wednesday and could set a date for applying for membership to the ICC and other international agencies.

Israel opposes the Palestinians’ membership campaign, accusing them of skirting peace negotiations.