WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama said on Sunday that he supported direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians in a telephone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the White House said.

Obama "reaffirmed his commitment to Middle East peace and his strong support for direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians with the objective of two states living side by side in peace and security," the White House said in a statement.

The telephone call was made in return for a congratulatory message for Obama's reelection.

The US president also thanked Abbas for his partnership during his first term and expressed hope to continue close cooperation in the future.

The White House also said Obama "reiterated the United States' opposition to unilateral efforts at the United Nations." The US side has previously opposed to Palestine's bid to seek non-member state status at the UN.

Obama won a second term by defeating the Republican challenger Mitt Romney in the presidential election last week.