Palestinians get Unesco seat as 107 vote in favour

There have been scenes of celebration in Paris as the UN cultural organisation voted strongly in favour of membership for the Palestinians - a move opposed by the US and Israel.

Out of 173 countries voting, 107 were in favour, with 14 opposed and 52 abstentions.

The was rapturous applause as the result of the ballot was read out by the president of Unesco's general conference, Katalin Bogyay.

Before the vote, the US said it would stop its funding to Unesco if the Palestinians' bid were accepted.

The UN Security Council will vote in November to decide if Palestine should become a full UN member state.