Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016

The world lost many of its best-loved celebrities in 2016. Here are the stars the world has said goodbye to this year.

JanuaryStarman, the voice of radio and Hans Gruber

Music legend David Bowie died from cancer three days after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar. We also lost broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, actor Alan Rickman and The Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
Image Caption:Bowie died at the age of 69 on 10 January

FebruaryTo Kill A Mockingbird author

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee died in February. Her 1960 novel about a child's eye view of racial injustice in a fictional Alabama town in the 1930s became standard reading for millions of young people.

Frank Kelly - best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted - died in the same month.
Image Caption:Author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, died aged 89 on 19 February

MarchThe last of the Two Ronnies and the 'Fifth Beatle'

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, famous for his TV partnership with Ronnie Barker, died in March, surrounded by his family.

Magician Paul Daniels, Beatles producer George Martin, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, legendary footballer Johan Cruyff and Emerson, Lake and Palmer founder and keyboard player Keith Emerson also passed away.
Image Caption:Beatles producer Sir George Martin died aged 90 on 8 March

AprilMusic icon and creator of The Ballad of Barry and Freda

Prince was found unresponsive and alone in an elevator at his complex in Paisley Park, Minnesota, in April. He died of an accidental overdose.

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood also died in April at her home in London. In a statement, her older brother Chris said her death "has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation".

We also said goodbye to reality TV star and music producer David Gest, and agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Image Caption:Victoria Wood died in April

MayBread creator

TV writer Carla Lane, who was behind a number of sitcoms including Bread, Butterflies and the Liver Birds, died in May, as did actor Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato Fong in the Pink Panther films.
Image Caption:The TV writer Carla Lane passed away in May

June'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away in June. The three-time world heavyweight champion had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after he retired from the sport.

Also in June, Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident after becoming pinned between his own car and a brick mailbox at his home in Los Angeles.
Image Caption:Cassius Clay in May 1963 - the year before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali

JulyMrs Merton

The comedian, writer and actress Caroline Aherne - famous for The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family - died in July.
Image Caption:Caroline Aherne arrives at an awards show in 2007

AugustWilly Wonka and R2-D2

Comedy legend Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died in August.

We also mourned Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise.
Image Caption:Gene Wilder pictured in 1996

SeptemberGolfing legend

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, passed away in September.

He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and 1960s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army".
Image Caption:Arnold Palmer with Tiger Woods in 1997

OctoberCorrie star and Dead or Alive frontman

Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, died in October.

We also lost Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! writer Jimmy Perry in the same month, along with American singer Bobby Vee - known for Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby.

Dead or Alive singer and former Celebrity Big Brother star Pete Burns also died after suffering a cardiac arrest, aged 57.
Image Caption:Former Coronation Street actress Jean Alexander died in October

NovemberFawlty Towers' Manuel and Leonard Cohen

Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as Manuel in Fawlty Towers, died in November.

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen also passed away, along with the actor Robert Vaughn, Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson and broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young.
Image Caption:Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers

DecemberGoodbye 'Dahlinks'

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. She starred in dozens of films and TV shows, but was perhaps better known for her love life, having married nine times.

Rock superstar Greg Lake also passed away in December, as did Sunday Times critic AA Gill, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt, and actor Peter Vaughan, who appeared as Harry 'Grouty' Grout in TV sitcom Porridge and as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
Image Caption:Peter Vaughan in Game of Thrones

Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016

The world lost many of its best-loved celebrities in 2016. Here are the stars the world has said goodbye to this year.

JanuaryStarman, the voice of radio and Hans Gruber

Music legend David Bowie died from cancer three days after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar. We also lost broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, actor Alan Rickman and The Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
Image Caption:Bowie died at the age of 69 on 10 January

FebruaryTo Kill A Mockingbird author

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee died in February. Her 1960 novel about a child's eye view of racial injustice in a fictional Alabama town in the 1930s became standard reading for millions of young people.

Frank Kelly - best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted - died in the same month.
Image Caption:Author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, died aged 89 on 19 February

MarchThe last of the Two Ronnies and the 'Fifth Beatle'

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, famous for his TV partnership with Ronnie Barker, died in March, surrounded by his family.

Magician Paul Daniels, Beatles producer George Martin, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, legendary footballer Johan Cruyff and Emerson, Lake and Palmer founder and keyboard player Keith Emerson also passed away.
Image Caption:Beatles producer Sir George Martin died aged 90 on 8 March

AprilMusic icon and creator of The Ballad of Barry and Freda

Prince was found unresponsive and alone in an elevator at his complex in Paisley Park, Minnesota, in April. He died of an accidental overdose.

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood also died in April at her home in London. In a statement, her older brother Chris said her death "has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation".

We also said goodbye to reality TV star and music producer David Gest, and agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Image Caption:Victoria Wood died in April

MayBread creator

TV writer Carla Lane, who was behind a number of sitcoms including Bread, Butterflies and the Liver Birds, died in May, as did actor Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato Fong in the Pink Panther films.
Image Caption:The TV writer Carla Lane passed away in May

June'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away in June. The three-time world heavyweight champion had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after he retired from the sport.

Also in June, Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident after becoming pinned between his own car and a brick mailbox at his home in Los Angeles.
Image Caption:Cassius Clay in May 1963 - the year before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali

JulyMrs Merton

The comedian, writer and actress Caroline Aherne - famous for The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family - died in July.
Image Caption:Caroline Aherne arrives at an awards show in 2007

AugustWilly Wonka and R2-D2

Comedy legend Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died in August.

We also mourned Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise.
Image Caption:Gene Wilder pictured in 1996

SeptemberGolfing legend

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, passed away in September.

He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and 1960s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army".
Image Caption:Arnold Palmer with Tiger Woods in 1997

OctoberCorrie star and Dead or Alive frontman

Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, died in October.

We also lost Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! writer Jimmy Perry in the same month, along with American singer Bobby Vee - known for Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby.

Dead or Alive singer and former Celebrity Big Brother star Pete Burns also died after suffering a cardiac arrest, aged 57.
Image Caption:Former Coronation Street actress Jean Alexander died in October

NovemberFawlty Towers' Manuel and Leonard Cohen

Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as Manuel in Fawlty Towers, died in November.

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen also passed away, along with the actor Robert Vaughn, Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson and broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young.
Image Caption:Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers

DecemberGoodbye 'Dahlinks'

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. She starred in dozens of films and TV shows, but was perhaps better known for her love life, having married nine times.

Rock superstar Greg Lake also passed away in December, as did Sunday Times critic AA Gill, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt, and actor Peter Vaughan, who appeared as Harry 'Grouty' Grout in TV sitcom Porridge and as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
Image Caption:Peter Vaughan in Game of Thrones

Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016

The world lost many of its best-loved celebrities in 2016. Here are the stars the world has said goodbye to this year.

JanuaryStarman, the voice of radio and Hans Gruber

Music legend David Bowie died from cancer three days after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar. We also lost broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, actor Alan Rickman and The Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
Image Caption:Bowie died at the age of 69 on 10 January

FebruaryTo Kill A Mockingbird author

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee died in February. Her 1960 novel about a child's eye view of racial injustice in a fictional Alabama town in the 1930s became standard reading for millions of young people.

Frank Kelly - best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted - died in the same month.
Image Caption:Author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, died aged 89 on 19 February

MarchThe last of the Two Ronnies and the 'Fifth Beatle'

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, famous for his TV partnership with Ronnie Barker, died in March, surrounded by his family.

Magician Paul Daniels, Beatles producer George Martin, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, legendary footballer Johan Cruyff and Emerson, Lake and Palmer founder and keyboard player Keith Emerson also passed away.
Image Caption:Beatles producer Sir George Martin died aged 90 on 8 March

AprilMusic icon and creator of The Ballad of Barry and Freda

Prince was found unresponsive and alone in an elevator at his complex in Paisley Park, Minnesota, in April. He died of an accidental overdose.

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood also died in April at her home in London. In a statement, her older brother Chris said her death "has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation".

We also said goodbye to reality TV star and music producer David Gest, and agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Image Caption:Victoria Wood died in April

MayBread creator

TV writer Carla Lane, who was behind a number of sitcoms including Bread, Butterflies and the Liver Birds, died in May, as did actor Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato Fong in the Pink Panther films.
Image Caption:The TV writer Carla Lane passed away in May

June'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away in June. The three-time world heavyweight champion had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after he retired from the sport.

Also in June, Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident after becoming pinned between his own car and a brick mailbox at his home in Los Angeles.
Image Caption:Cassius Clay in May 1963 - the year before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali

JulyMrs Merton

The comedian, writer and actress Caroline Aherne - famous for The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family - died in July.
Image Caption:Caroline Aherne arrives at an awards show in 2007

AugustWilly Wonka and R2-D2

Comedy legend Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died in August.

We also mourned Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise.
Image Caption:Gene Wilder pictured in 1996

SeptemberGolfing legend

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, passed away in September.

He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and 1960s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army".
Image Caption:Arnold Palmer with Tiger Woods in 1997

OctoberCorrie star and Dead or Alive frontman

Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, died in October.

We also lost Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! writer Jimmy Perry in the same month, along with American singer Bobby Vee - known for Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby.

Dead or Alive singer and former Celebrity Big Brother star Pete Burns also died after suffering a cardiac arrest, aged 57.
Image Caption:Former Coronation Street actress Jean Alexander died in October

NovemberFawlty Towers' Manuel and Leonard Cohen

Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as Manuel in Fawlty Towers, died in November.

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen also passed away, along with the actor Robert Vaughn, Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson and broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young.
Image Caption:Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers

DecemberGoodbye 'Dahlinks'

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. She starred in dozens of films and TV shows, but was perhaps better known for her love life, having married nine times.

Rock superstar Greg Lake also passed away in December, as did Sunday Times critic AA Gill, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt, and actor Peter Vaughan, who appeared as Harry 'Grouty' Grout in TV sitcom Porridge and as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
Image Caption:Peter Vaughan in Game of Thrones

Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016

The world lost many of its best-loved celebrities in 2016. Here are the stars the world has said goodbye to this year.

JanuaryStarman, the voice of radio and Hans Gruber

Music legend David Bowie died from cancer three days after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar. We also lost broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, actor Alan Rickman and The Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
Image Caption:Bowie died at the age of 69 on 10 January

FebruaryTo Kill A Mockingbird author

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee died in February. Her 1960 novel about a child's eye view of racial injustice in a fictional Alabama town in the 1930s became standard reading for millions of young people.

Frank Kelly - best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted - died in the same month.
Image Caption:Author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, died aged 89 on 19 February

MarchThe last of the Two Ronnies and the 'Fifth Beatle'

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, famous for his TV partnership with Ronnie Barker, died in March, surrounded by his family.

Magician Paul Daniels, Beatles producer George Martin, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, legendary footballer Johan Cruyff and Emerson, Lake and Palmer founder and keyboard player Keith Emerson also passed away.
Image Caption:Beatles producer Sir George Martin died aged 90 on 8 March

AprilMusic icon and creator of The Ballad of Barry and Freda

Prince was found unresponsive and alone in an elevator at his complex in Paisley Park, Minnesota, in April. He died of an accidental overdose.

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood also died in April at her home in London. In a statement, her older brother Chris said her death "has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation".

We also said goodbye to reality TV star and music producer David Gest, and agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Image Caption:Victoria Wood died in April

MayBread creator

TV writer Carla Lane, who was behind a number of sitcoms including Bread, Butterflies and the Liver Birds, died in May, as did actor Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato Fong in the Pink Panther films.
Image Caption:The TV writer Carla Lane passed away in May

June'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away in June. The three-time world heavyweight champion had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after he retired from the sport.

Also in June, Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident after becoming pinned between his own car and a brick mailbox at his home in Los Angeles.
Image Caption:Cassius Clay in May 1963 - the year before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali

JulyMrs Merton

The comedian, writer and actress Caroline Aherne - famous for The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family - died in July.
Image Caption:Caroline Aherne arrives at an awards show in 2007

AugustWilly Wonka and R2-D2

Comedy legend Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died in August.

We also mourned Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise.
Image Caption:Gene Wilder pictured in 1996

SeptemberGolfing legend

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, passed away in September.

He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and 1960s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army".
Image Caption:Arnold Palmer with Tiger Woods in 1997

OctoberCorrie star and Dead or Alive frontman

Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, died in October.

We also lost Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! writer Jimmy Perry in the same month, along with American singer Bobby Vee - known for Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby.

Dead or Alive singer and former Celebrity Big Brother star Pete Burns also died after suffering a cardiac arrest, aged 57.
Image Caption:Former Coronation Street actress Jean Alexander died in October

NovemberFawlty Towers' Manuel and Leonard Cohen

Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as Manuel in Fawlty Towers, died in November.

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen also passed away, along with the actor Robert Vaughn, Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson and broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young.
Image Caption:Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers

DecemberGoodbye 'Dahlinks'

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. She starred in dozens of films and TV shows, but was perhaps better known for her love life, having married nine times.

Rock superstar Greg Lake also passed away in December, as did Sunday Times critic AA Gill, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt, and actor Peter Vaughan, who appeared as Harry 'Grouty' Grout in TV sitcom Porridge and as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
Image Caption:Peter Vaughan in Game of Thrones

Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016

The world lost many of its best-loved celebrities in 2016. Here are the stars the world has said goodbye to this year.

JanuaryStarman, the voice of radio and Hans Gruber

Music legend David Bowie died from cancer three days after releasing his 25th studio album, Blackstar. We also lost broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, actor Alan Rickman and The Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
Image Caption:Bowie died at the age of 69 on 10 January

FebruaryTo Kill A Mockingbird author

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee died in February. Her 1960 novel about a child's eye view of racial injustice in a fictional Alabama town in the 1930s became standard reading for millions of young people.

Frank Kelly - best known for playing the character of Father Jack in the comedy Father Ted - died in the same month.
Image Caption:Author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, died aged 89 on 19 February

MarchThe last of the Two Ronnies and the 'Fifth Beatle'

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, famous for his TV partnership with Ronnie Barker, died in March, surrounded by his family.

Magician Paul Daniels, Beatles producer George Martin, Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, legendary footballer Johan Cruyff and Emerson, Lake and Palmer founder and keyboard player Keith Emerson also passed away.
Image Caption:Beatles producer Sir George Martin died aged 90 on 8 March

AprilMusic icon and creator of The Ballad of Barry and Freda

Prince was found unresponsive and alone in an elevator at his complex in Paisley Park, Minnesota, in April. He died of an accidental overdose.

Comedian and actress Victoria Wood also died in April at her home in London. In a statement, her older brother Chris said her death "has robbed us of one of the brightest talents of our generation".

We also said goodbye to reality TV star and music producer David Gest, and agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Image Caption:Victoria Wood died in April

MayBread creator

TV writer Carla Lane, who was behind a number of sitcoms including Bread, Butterflies and the Liver Birds, died in May, as did actor Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato Fong in the Pink Panther films.
Image Caption:The TV writer Carla Lane passed away in May

June'The Greatest'

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away in June. The three-time world heavyweight champion had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after he retired from the sport.

Also in June, Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin died in a freak accident after becoming pinned between his own car and a brick mailbox at his home in Los Angeles.
Image Caption:Cassius Clay in May 1963 - the year before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali

JulyMrs Merton

The comedian, writer and actress Caroline Aherne - famous for The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family - died in July.
Image Caption:Caroline Aherne arrives at an awards show in 2007

AugustWilly Wonka and R2-D2

Comedy legend Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died in August.

We also mourned Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise.
Image Caption:Gene Wilder pictured in 1996

SeptemberGolfing legend

Golf legend Arnold Palmer, who won seven majors, passed away in September.

He drew thousands of fans to the game in the 1950s and 1960s and his keen fan base earned the moniker "Arnie's Army".
Image Caption:Arnold Palmer with Tiger Woods in 1997

OctoberCorrie star and Dead or Alive frontman

Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, died in October.

We also lost Dad's Army and Hi-de-Hi! writer Jimmy Perry in the same month, along with American singer Bobby Vee - known for Rubber Ball and Take Good Care of My Baby.

Dead or Alive singer and former Celebrity Big Brother star Pete Burns also died after suffering a cardiac arrest, aged 57.
Image Caption:Former Coronation Street actress Jean Alexander died in October

NovemberFawlty Towers' Manuel and Leonard Cohen

Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as Manuel in Fawlty Towers, died in November.

Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen also passed away, along with the actor Robert Vaughn, Brady Bunch actress Florence Henderson and broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young.
Image Caption:Andrew Sachs as Manuel in Fawlty Towers

DecemberGoodbye 'Dahlinks'

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor died in December. She starred in dozens of films and TV shows, but was perhaps better known for her love life, having married nine times.

Rock superstar Greg Lake also passed away in December, as did Sunday Times critic AA Gill, Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt, and actor Peter Vaughan, who appeared as Harry 'Grouty' Grout in TV sitcom Porridge and as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
Image Caption:Peter Vaughan in Game of Thrones

Israel accuses Obama administration of helping craft, push UN censure

Israel’s government publicly accused the Obama administration Sunday of helping create and push the recently passed United Nations resolution condemning settlement activity, with a top official telling Fox News they have “ironclad information” on the U.S. government’s involvement.

“We have rather ironclad information from sources in both the Arab world and internationally that this was a deliberate push by the United States and in fact they helped create the resolution in the first place,” David Keyes, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said on Fox News’ “America’s News HQ.”

The accusation marks a new escalation in the Netanyahu government’s response to the U.N. Security Council vote on Friday. The resolution passed thanks to a U.S. abstention, a decision Netanyahu has described as a “shameful ambush.”

The White House already has acknowledged President Obama made the decision for U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power to abstain. Unclear was how involved the Obama administration was in crafting and pushing the resolution itself – which initially was put forward by Egypt, and then pursued by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz issued a statement Sunday defending Obama's support for Israel and stressed that the U.S. did not draft the resolution.

"The Egyptians, in partnership with the Palestinians, are the ones who began circulating an earlier draft of the resolution," Schultz said. "The Egyptians are the ones who moved it forward on Friday. And we took the position that we did when it was put to a vote."

Keyes' criticism followed similar rhetoric by Netanyahu himself, who said that while the U.S. and Israel for decades had disagreed on settlements, they had an understanding that such action before the U.N. Security Council would make peace negotiations harder.

“As I told [Secretary of State] John Kerry on Thursday, friends don’t take friends to the Security Council,” Netanyahu said.

He pointedly said he looks forward to working with the new Donald Trump administration when it takes office next month. He said he was encouraged by Israel’s “friends in the United States” who criticized the resolution, saying “they understand how reckless and destructive” it is.

Keyes also told Fox News on Sunday that Israel was “deeply disappointed” by the resolution and the Obama administration’s abstention.

“I think what we’re seeing is an abandonment of Israel, and an abandonment of a long-standing American policy,” he said.

Israel's Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said it began summoning the ambassadors of countries who voted in favor of the resolution, including those from the permanent members of the Security Council -- Russia, China, the U.K. and France. In a highly unusual move, the U.S. ambassador was later summoned as well, Israeli media reported.

"We will do all it takes so Israel emerges unscathed from this shameful decision," Netanyahu said.

The resolution, which condemned Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, sparked outrage in Israel and led to a new low in relations between Netanyahu and Obama. Israel has accused Obama of colluding with the Palestinians against the Jewish state.

Pop superstar George Michael dies of suspected heart failure aged 53

Pop superstar George Michael has died of suspected heart failure at the age of 53.

Michael, who shot to fame as the front man of Wham! in the 1980s, died peacefully at his home in Oxfordshire, his publicist said.

His manager Michael Lippman said the cause of his death was heart failure, according to the Associated Press.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2pm on Christmas Day.

The force said: "Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene.

"At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

"A post-mortem will be undertaken in due course."

Michael's publicist said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.

"The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time."

Michael - whose real name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou - had hits including Club Tropicana and Last Christmas as a part of Wham!