PARIS

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on countries to face "their moral, ethical and political responsibilities" and end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories and support the independence of Palestine.

Abbas' comments came on Friday after he met French President Francois Hollande to ask his country to support a draft resolution to be submitted to the UN Security Council demanding Israeli withdraws from the occupied Palestinian territories.

Abbas in a joint press conference with Hollande: "It is time to put an end to the longest occupation on modern history."

Hollande said that "negotiations with Israel needed to kick off again in order to put an end to this conflict".

Abbas said he and Hollande had discussed ways "to achieve peace and stability in the region and restore security, ensuring that the Palestinian people get their independence and freedom".

Thousands killed

Last week, Abbas said he would go to the U.N. to "seek international protection" for the Palestinian people.

Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators collapsed in April after Israel refused to release a fourth batch of Palestinian prisoners despite earlier pledges to do so.

Abbas retaliated by formally applying for Palestinian membership in 15 U.N. conventions and agencies.

Israel has since announced a raft of punitive measures to be taken against the Palestinians after Abbas' Fatah movement signed a reconciliation deal this summer with Palestinian resistance faction Hamas.

Israel's recent 51-day offensive on the coastal strip left 2,157 Gazans dead and 11,000 injured – many critically – while damaging or destroying thousands of homes across the Palestinian enclave.

At least 72 Israelis – 67 soldiers and five civilians – were killed over the course of Israel's "Operation Protective Edge".

www.aa.com.tr/en