(VOVworld)- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday that if Israel does not recognize Palestinian statehood, he would withdraw Palestinian recognition of Israel. 

Mahmoud Abbas- Photo: AFP

The Palestinians are seeking reciprocity and mutual respect, and therefore the recognition of Israel "will not last forever" if Israel continues to refuse to recognize Palestine as a state, Abbas said in his address to Fatah's 7th conference, where he was reelected as the chairman of the party.  

He added that he "will never accept to recognize Israel as a Jewish state" and the Palestinians will never accept interim deals, sending a message to Israeli society that "Palestinians want peace but it is your government that does not want it."  He added that Palestinians will pursue full membership at the United Nations and seek to join all possible international organizations. Despite the actions of the occupation, including settlements, killings and house demolitions, Palestinians will remain on their lands, said Abbas, adding that East Jerusalem will be the capital of the state of Palestine.  He called on the Islamic Hamas movement to work towards national reconciliation through the gates of democracy, calling for general elections to bring unity back to Palestinian ranks.