United Nations, Nov 27: Palestinians plan to ask the United Nations General Assembly next week to amend the credentials of the Israeli delegation to specifically exclude it from representing the West Bank, Gaza and part of Jerusalem, their UN envoy Nasser al-Kidwa has said. Palestine also intends to ask the 191-member assembly to seek ruling from the international court of justice on the legality of the security barrier being constructed by the Israelis, al-Kidway told reporters yesterday.

The barrier, which Israel says is necessary to protect its citizens from Palestinian suicide bombers, cuts deep into the Palestinian territory at several points. It comprises thick wall, ditches and razor sharp wires to deter suicide bombers but Palestinians say it separates families and people from their farms. Secretary General Kofi Annan is due to present a report to the General Assembly on the barrier tomorrow and the issue may come up in the assembly on Monday.

Bureau Report