Palestinian President Abbas welcomes UN vote on Jerusalem

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed Thursday's United Nations General Assembly vote that slammed the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

"This decision reaffirms once again that the just Palestinian cause enjoys the support of international law, and no decision by any party can change the reality," a statement from Abbas's spokesman said.

It underlines "that Jerusalem is occupied territory under international law" the statement added.

"We will continue our efforts in the United Nations and all international forums to end the occupation and create a Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem."

Gaza-based Hamas - which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008 - said it was a blow to Israel's attempts to "judaise" Jerusalem.

Hamas called the vote "a step in the right direction, a victory of Palestinian rights and a blow to the Trump declaration".

The General Assembly adopted the motion rejecting US President Donald Trump's 6 December decision to recognise Jerusalem by 128 votes to nine, with 35 abstentions.

Those who voted for the motion included key US allies, including the UK and France.

Trump earlier threatened "we're watching" and warned of reprisals against countries backing the motion.

It reaffirms that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved through negotiations.

The measure was sent to the General Assembly after it was vetoed by the US at the Security Council on Monday, although all other 14 council members voted in favour.