Israeli, Palestinian leaders announce New Year's resolution for peace

Israeli and Palestinian leaders have both announced their New Year's resolution for peace. Their remarks come amid the first anniversary of the Gaza conflict, which killed about 1,400 Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gestures as he speaks at a  ceremony marking the Fatah movement's anniversary in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.(AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Speaking on the last day of 2009, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his hopes of achieving peace with Israel.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, "I say to Israeli people and to their political parties and their government, that the peace must be established between us. It is peace that will offer security, stability and coexistence. We want peace."

The President's speech was viewed on the streets of the West Bank town of Ramallah. Hundreds of Palestinians there gathered in the main square to mark the anniversary of the Gaza conflict and protest against the blockade still imposed on the Strip.

Demonstrator Ramallah said, "We are here to demonstrate in solidarity with the people of Gaza demanding the lifting of the terrible siege which is nothing but a continuation of the war crimes that Israel committed against the people of Gaza and the Palestinian people."