Susan Rice: Palestinian UN bid 'will isolate Israel'

Mahmoud Abbas is expected to use a live speech on Palestinian television to reassure his people they will be applying for full membership of the United Nations.

The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is expected to submit the application on 23 September, spokesman Riad Malki said.

Senior US envoys are in the region, trying to avert the bid.

The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, told the BBC's Katty Kay the move for statehood would set back prospects for real talks with Israel.