The Arab League says it will ask the United Nations for recognition of an independent Palestinian state -- a move opposed by Israel, the U.S. and some European Union nations.
Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby announced the decision on Thursday, following a meeting in Qatar.
Elaraby did not say when the group would present its request to the world body. However, the Palestinian Authority announced in June that it would seek U.N. statehood recognition in September.
Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians stalled last year, partly due to Palestinian objections to Israeli settlement construction on land they want as part of a future state.
Israel has said a Palestinian bid to seek U.N. recognition would shatter efforts for a negotiated settlement. Also, the U.S. and some EU nations have maintained that negotiations are the only way to reach a two-state solution to the conflict.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
