Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UN General Assembly’s resolution calling the United States to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. His spokesman noted: "The vote is a victory for Palestine.

"We will continue our efforts in the United Nations and at all international forums to put an end to this occupation and to establish our Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital."

Earlier in the evening, the UN General Assembly approved the decision, with 128 nations voting in favor, nine against, and 35 abstentions.