TRUMP’S ‘ KISS OF DEATH’ TO PEACE
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that the America will formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “That city is Israel’s capital,” Mr Trump said in remarks at the White House. “It is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”
The US is the first country to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital since the foundation of the state in 1948.
He also announced plans to build a new American embassy in Jerusalem.
The move, which is being opposed by countries in the Middle East and is likely to lead to dangerous reverberations in the region, even provoked the Pope to express concern.
Pope Francis, speaking hours before Mr Trump’s announcement, called for the city’s “status quo” to be respected, saying new tension in the Middle East would further inflame world conflicts.
The Palestinians’ UK representative, Manuel Hassassian, said the move is a “kiss of death” to the two- state peace solution. — Agencies
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday refrained from commenting on US President Donald Trump’s intention to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in his first speech since the plan was confirmed. Mr Netanyahu, speaking at a diplomatic conference organised by The Jerusalem Post newspaper, instead focused on Israel’s security and economic ties with countries globally during his 20- minute speech. Mr Trump’s plan, to be announced later Wednesday, has set off alarm bells around the world. Other Israeli ministers commented on the plan, hailing it as a historic move. “I call upon other countries to follow the United States and recognise Jerusalem as the Jewish and undivided capital,” education minister Naftali Bennett said.