Jerusalem Controversy: Palestine seeks diplomatic support after US decision on embassy

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Palestinian President Abbas has been seeking support against Donald Trump's decision on Jerusalem since it was announced in December.

Shortly after the US announced the controversial decision, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas traveled to Cairo to rally Middle Eastern countries against the move.

On December 12th, one day after his meeting with the Egyptian president, Abbas arrived in Istanbul. He spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of a key Islamic summit.

During the summit, Abbas called the US decision a "great crime".

MAHMOUD ABBAS PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT "To all leaders, heads of delegations, people of our Islamic nations, and to all the free and honorable people in the world that are standing by our side facing this big sin, this great crime."

Abbas signed 22 agreements and international treaties within two weeks of the US move, to strengthen the legal status of the state of Palestine globally.

He also responded to the US move by requesting full membership of the United Nations General Assembly.

Last month, Abbas traveled to Brussels to seek the European Union's support for negotiations with Israel, and recognition of the state of Palestine.

MAHMOUD ABBAS PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT "We pay all due respect to the position of the European Union. We truly consider the European Union as a true partner and friend, and therefore we call its member states to swiftly recognize the state of Palestine. And we confirm that there is no contradiction between recognition and resumption of negotiations."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his first visit to Palestine earlier this month. Abbas told him that Palestine is counting on India's support for multi-country sponsorship of further negotiations with Israel.