RAMALLAH, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials marked on Thursday 30 years for Palestinian declaration of independence, calling for the world's endorsement of Palestinian statehood despite continuation of Israeli occupation.

The West Bank and Gaza Strip observed a day off in commemoration of the 1988 Declaration of Independence.

PLO Secretary General Saeb Erekat said in a statement that the mark of independence declaration "sums up the will and legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinian people in achieving independence."

Erekat said in a press statement that Palestine is pressing ahead with efforts "to hold Israel and war criminals accountable for all their violations until justice is served."

Hanan Ashrawi, PLO executive committee member, said that through its declaration of independence, "the Palestinian leadership proclaimed its support for the two-state solution, international law and United Nations resolutions, as well as its unwavering commitment to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people."

Palestinian Government Spokesman Yousef Al-Mahmoud said in a press statement that "we are determined to build the institutions of a civil, democratic state where all Palestinians live in equality and justice ..."

Late Palestinian leader Yaser Arafat, who died in a French Hospital on Nov. 11, 2004, made the Palestinian declaration of independence when the Palestinian National Council, better known as the Palestinian parliament in exile, was held in Algeria on Nov. 15, 1988.