Jerusalem, May 21 (IANS): Israel has cancelled a planned visit by a UNESCO delegation to Jerusalem due to the efforts of Palestinian factions to politicise it.

The Israeli foreign ministry said Monday the Palestinians were trying to turn this visit into a "fact-finding mission of Israel's moves in Jerusalem ".

"The delegation's visit has been postponed, " reported Xinhua citing a source. "This was supposed to be a professional visit but the Palestinians have influenced the delegation and turned it into a political visit."

The UN's cultural and educational organisation (UNESCO), announced earlier the planned visit will include inspection of the preservation of holy sites and World Heritage sites in the old city of Jerusalem.

In April, Israel struck a deal with UNESCO to allow the world organisation to examine the preservation of structures in the old city. Israel also called on the organisation to postpone several resolutions against Tel Aviv.