Palestinians hit out at Obama UN move

Palestinian protesters have denounced US President Barack Obama for his opposition to their bid to win UN recognition of a Palestinian state.

Dozens rallied today outside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ office in Ramallah on the West Bank.

They held up anti-Obama signs, including one reading “Obama the hypocrite” and another claiming the American president is siding “with killers against victims”.

Mr Obama told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that a state can only be established through negotiations with Israel.

The US has said it would block the recognition request in the Security Council.

Mr Abbas says he prefers negotiations but disagrees with Israel over the starting point for talks.

He has said he will press ahead with the bid for UN membership and is preparing to submit a written application to Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in New York on Friday.