The Church of Scotland has backed a controversial report criticising Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

The Inheritance of Abraham paper had to be redrafted after attracting international criticism, including from Israel's ambassador to the UK, when it was first published in April.

The authors recognised that it had unintentionally caused "worry and concern" in parts of the Jewish community in Israel and beyond.

They accepted that some of the wording "may have been misunderstood".

A revised version was debated by commissioners at the Kirk's General Assembly in Edinburgh today.

Presenting the report, Rev Sally Foster-Fulton emphasised that it was not intended as a criticism of the Jewish people.

The convener of the Kirk's Church and Society Council said: "This is primarily a report highlighting the continued occupation by the state of Israel and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people as a consequence.

"It is not a report criticising the Jewish people. Opposing the unjust policies of the state of Israel cannot be equated to anti-Semitism. "

Mrs Foster-Fulton added: "The on-going conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory has been an issue close to the heart of the Church of Scotland - we have a long relationship with the region and have many friends there.

"The Church has kept on thinking about ways we can contribute to a just and peaceful solution.

"The Church and Society Council has learned a great deal from dialogue with Jewish community which followed the initial release of the report.

"We would like to thank members of the Jewish community who sat down with us and were gracious in their concern."

The revised report was overwhelmingly accepted by the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the debate surrounding next year's independence referendum has been branded "disappointing" and based on "political point scoring", a senior Church of Scotland official has said.

Rev Sally Foster-Fulton made the criticism as the Kirk's General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a report calling on the Scottish Government to publish any draft constitution for an independent Scotland before the vote is held.