Arab ministers demand Trump rescind Jerusalem decision

CAIRO — Arab foreign ministers on Saturday called on the United States to rescind its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and for the international community to recognize a Palestinian state.

In a resolution after an emergency meeting in Cairo, Arab League member ministers said that the United States had “withdrawn itself as a sponsor and broker” of the Israel Palestinian peace process with its controversial move.

The ministers met at the league’s headquarters in Cairo to formulate a response to the US decision, which has been roundly criticized in the Arab world and internationally.

The move by US President Donald J. Trump is “denounced and condemned,” Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit told the ministers at the beginning of the meeting.

The ministers agreed on “demanding that the United States rescind its decision on Jerusalem...and the calling on the international community to recognize the state of Palestine...with east Jerusalem as its capital.”

They also said they would head to the United Nations Security Council for a resolution condemning the US decision as a violation of international law.

The decision has sparked protests and clashes in Palestinian territories since Mr. Trump announced the decision on Wednesday which drew criticism from every other member of the UN Security Council at an emergency meeting on Friday. —