Nigeria, Feb. 24 -- The African Union has expressed its full support for Palestine in the ongoing Middle East conflicts, asking member states to sever ties with Israel.

The AU gave "full support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle against the Israeli occupation, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organisation under the leadership under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, in order to restore their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination, return of refugees and independence in their State of Palestine, existing side by side with the State of Israel."

The 54-member continental bloc said last week at its summit that it also condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and requested member states "...