Abbas declares 'Palestinian Spring'

Thousands of Palestinians cheering and waving flags gave President Mahmoud Abbas a hero’s welcome in the West Bank today, as he told them triumphantly a “Palestinian Spring” had been born following his historic speech to the UN last week.

Abbas’ popularity has skyrocketed since he asked the UN on Friday to recognise Palestinian independence, defying appeals from Israel and the United States to return to peace talks. His request has pushed the region into uncharted waters, and left the international community scrambling over how to respond.