Britain has endorsed a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly which gives both Israel and the Palestinians a further five months to launch independent investigations of alleged war crimes committed during Operation Cast Lead.

The resolution was adopted Friday by a vote of 98-7 with 31 abstentions. Fifty-six countries did not vote.

There were fewer votes than expected because some countries were hampered reaching the UN due to snow in New York.

A spokesperson from the Foreign Office said: "The UK has voted in favour of the Palestinian resolution. This is consistent with our call for full, credible and independent investigations by all the parties into their conduct during the Gaza Conflict."