Palestinian diplomats in Geneva say a U.N. report on war crimes in Gaza "remains alive" despite dropping their support for a resolution endorsing the 575-page document.

Deputy ambassador Imad Zuhairi says the resolution in the U.N. Human Rights Council was deferred to March to get more of the body's 47-members on board.

He denies that the surprise decision to delay the resolution came after heavy pressure from the United States.

Washington and its close ally Israel have rejected the report compiled by a U.N. team led by former South African judge Richard Goldstone.

Zuhairi told The Associated Press on Friday that delaying the resolution "is not a victory for Israel."

He says "the report is there and we will ensure that the report remains alive."