The UK will abstain in a United Nations (UN) vote on Palestinian statehood, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.
He told the Commons a UN vote could be held soon, but Britain would refuse to support the Palestinians' bid.
Mr Hague told MPs: "In common with France, and in consultation with our European partners, the United Kingdom will abstain on any vote on full Palestinian membership of the UN."
He said the UN Security Council's admissions committee would end its consideration of the Palestinians' claim for statehood on Friday, paving the way for a vote.
The committee will publish a report summarising Security Council members' views on whether Palestine meets criteria under the UN Charter.
Mr Hague said: "The UK judges that the Palestinian Authority largely fulfils criteria for UN membership, including statehood, as far as the reality of the situation of the occupied Palestinian territories allows.
"But its ability to function effectively as a state would be impeded by that situation. A negotiated end to the occupation is the best way to allow Palestinian aspirations to be met in reality and on the ground."
Earlier at Prime Minister's Questions, David Cameron urged the two sides to return to talks.
He said: "The British Government is fully behind a two-state solution but I profoundly believe the way you get a two-state solution is not through declarations and processes at the UN.
"The way you get that two-state solution is the two potential states, Israel and Palestine, sitting down and negotiating. All our efforts should be put towards making that happen."
