Jamaica abstained from the vote of the United Nations General Assembly, on the nullification of the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The United States government announced last month that it had recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which has also been claimed by the Palestinians.

This set off a firestorm in the Middle East.

The United Nations called for a vote to call on the US to withdraw its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

128 states ratified the call with 9 in opposition and 35 nations abstaining.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry says the government recognizes the sovereign right of states to determine their relations with others, but notes international concerns regarding the possible implications of same.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says Jamaica continues to believe that the best solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis rests in a negotiated political settlement based on a just, lasting and comprehensive agreement that guarantees the security of Israel and provides for a Palestinian state, within internationally recognized borders.