Stevie Wonder cancels Israel military gig

Stevie Wonder is calling off a concert for a group that raises money for the Israeli military.

Wonder had been scheduled to perform on December 6 for Friends of the Israel Defence Forces, which raises money for Israeli soldiers and their families.

Wonder said the United Nations recommended cancelling his performance because he is an official Messenger of Peace for the organisation.

The United Nations overwhelmingly voted to recognise a Palestinian state over vehement US and Israeli objections as hopes for Mideast peace talks stalled.

Wonder said in a statement he was cancelling with a heavy heart but that: "I am and have always been against war, any war, anywhere."

Several petitions had called on Wonder to cancel the performance.