UN voting on call for Israel to end 'unlawful' occupation

Resolution demands exit from Palestinian territories within 12 months

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The United Nations General Assembly was set to adopt on Sept 18 a Palestiniandrafted resolution that demands Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months.

The action will isolate Israel days before world leaders travel to New York for their annual UN gathering.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to address the 193-member General Assembly on Sept 26, the same day as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The draft resolution aims to welcome a July advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn.

The advisory opinion by the highest UN court, also known as the World Court, said this should be done "as rapidly as possible", although the draft General Assembly resolution allows for a 12-month timeline.