Palestinians set to win UN vote to be called a ‘non-member observer state’

The United Nations will vote today on whether to give Palestinians the title of “state” for the first time — despite huge opposition from America and Israel.

President Mahmoud Abbas wants Palestinians’ status at the UN to be upgraded from “permanent observer” to “non-member observer state”.

The rank — the same as that held by the Vatican — will be seen as a key milestone in the Palestinians’ bid to be fully recognised as a nation state.

It would also give them a greater presence at the UN, allowing leaders to speak at General Assembly meetings, and providing access to agencies such as the International Criminal Court.

The resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York is expected to be approved, as the Palestinians have overwhelming support, with 132 out of 193 nations already recognising them. But Israel and the US oppose the bid.

Foreign Secretary William Hague has said Britain will abstain unless the Palestinians commit to an immediate and unconditional return to peace talks, and drop plans to try to sue Israel through the International Criminal Court over the occupied territories.

However, the Palestinians say that in order to resume talks with Israel, they need UN recognition of a state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

At Westminster, 102 MPs from all the main political parties have signed a parliamentary motion supporting UN recognition of Palestine.

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton warned statehood must come through negotiations and not through the UN.