The Palestinian President has asked the United Nations Secretary General for Palestine to be accepted as a member state.

After months of speculation, Mahmoud Abbas officially submitted a bid for full membership at the United Nations.

The US and Israel have already made their opposition to the unilateral move clear

According to Ynet, before the speech Mr Abbas said his "final answer" was that the Palestinians "shall not recognise a Jewish state".

The president of the World Jewish Congress today called for the UN not to endorse the statehood bid because it would deal a fatal blow to the peace process.

Ronald Lauder said: "As many world leaders have told us over the past few weeks, negotiations with Israel are the only viable way for the Palestinians to reach statehood.

"The fact that he is now turning to the UN shows that Mr Abbas is more interested in creating a legacy and in personal glory than he is in reaching peace with Israel."