Google recognises 8216;Palestine8217; on search engine homepage

The change took effect on Wednesday,Google spokesman Nathan Tyler said in a statement.

8220;We8217;re changing the name 8216;Palestinian Territories8217; to 8216;Palestine8217; across our products. We consult a number of sources and authorities when naming countries. In this case,

we are following the lead of the UN8230; and other international organisations,8221; he said.

The UN General Assembly in November upgraded Palestine to the status of non-member observer state by a vote of 138 votes in favour,nine against and 41 abstentions.

Palestinian authorities have since begun to use the 8220;State of Palestine8221; in diplomatic correspondence and issued official stamps for the purpose.

Israel questioned Google8217;s decision.

8220;This change raises questions about the reasons behind this surprising involvement of what is basically a private Internet company in international politics 8212; and on the

controversial side,8221; foreign ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor told AFP.