Amnesty International has called for the UN Security Council to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Letters on the subject have been sent to Ban Ki-Moon and Baroness Ashton, as well as the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The human rights group, known for being heavily critical of the Israeli government , said it was pursuing the move in light of the opening of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

The Palestinian Authority is set to make a unilateral bid for independence at the UN next Friday.

On Thursday, a reform to Britain's universal jurisdiction law came into effect. Under the new law, groups will have to seek permission from the Director of Public Prosecutions in order for an arrest warrant to be issued for visiting foreign dignitaries.