UN Votes 128-9 To Reject US Decision On Jerusalem, 35 Abstentions

The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted by a decisive vote of 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions, a motion rejecting the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, after President Donald Trump threatened to cut funding to countries that back the measure.

Gathered in an emergency session, the General Assembly is to decide on a draft resolution reaffirming that the status of Jerusalem must be resolved through negotiations, and that any decision reached outside of that framework has no legal effect and must be rescinded.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki, addressing the assembly as the session got underway, appealed for support and referenced America’s warning that it was “taking names” among countries that oppose it at the UN.

“This organization is now undergoing an unprecedented test,” Al-Malki said.

“History records names, it remembers names the names of those who stand by what is right and the names of those who speak falsehood. Today we are seekers of rights and peace.”