UNGA backs Palestinian sovereignty

The assembly voted 140-6 to adopt a resolution saying the Palestinian people have "the right to self-determination and to sovereignty over their territory." Eleven nations abstained.

Only four tiny states -- the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and Palau -- joined Israel and the United States in voting against.

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General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but do reflect the majority sentiment of the international community.

Nasser al-Kidwa, the Palestinian observer at the United Nations, said the resolution was an important affirmation of Palestinian rights and a rejection of Israeli claims to territory, including East Jerusalem.

"These rights are constant and cannot be altered or voided with the passage of time or because of changes on the ground," he said.

Deputy US ambassador James Cunningham said the resolution was "inappropriate and ill-timed, and would detract from rather than enhance ongoing efforts" to reach a Palestinian-Israeli peace deal.