Pope leads world statesmen in defence of ‘status quo’ over Jerusalem
Pope Francis yesterday defended Jerusalem’s “status quo”, hours ahead of US president Donald Trump’s announcement to recognise the disputed city as Israel’s capital.
“I cannot silence my deep concern over the situation that has emerged in recent days,” the pope said in his weekly address.
“At the same time, I appeal strongly for all to respect the city’s status quo, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions. Jerusalem is a unique city, sacred for Jews, Christians and Muslims.”
Pope Francis said that the city holds a “special vocation for peace”. He added. “I pray to God that this identity is preserved and reinforced, for the sake of the Holy Land, the Middle East and the whole world, and that wisdom and prudence prevail.”
The pontiff also said that maintaining the status quo was important “in order to avoid adding new elements of tension to an already volatile world that is racked by so many cruel conflicts”.
French president Emmanuel Macron expressed his concern during a phone call with Mr Trump on Monday, saying Jerusalem’s status must be decided “within the framework of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians”.
The city’s status has been a contentious issue in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and a roadblock in peace talks. Israel believes it should be its capital and all embassies should be based there, while the Palestinians want the city to be the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
British prime minister Theresa May said she would speak to Mr Trump before his announcement, saying: “The status of Jerusalem should be determined as a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should be a shared capital.”
Boris Johnson, British foreign secretary, said that reports about the US decision were “heard with concern”.
Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) said Mr Trump’s decision would undermine international stability and would set back the peace process in the Middle East.
Martin Schulz, SPD leader, reiterated that he supported a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
France and Germany warned their citizens in Israel and the Palestinian territories to avoid large crowds in East Jerusalem, saying that clashes could break out in the area.
China and Russia also expressed their disapproval of the US decision, saying it would aggravate regional hostilities.
“We are concerned about the possible escalation of tensions,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.
“All relevant parties should bear regional peace and tranquility in mind, be cautious in words and deeds, avoid impacting the foundation for the settlement of the issue of Palestine, and avoid causing new confrontation in the region.”
Richard Haass, president of the Council of Foreign Relations, said on Monday: “The risk of recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is not that it will derail the peace process because there is no peace process with any real prospects.
“The risk is that it will increase tensions and lead to violence at a time when there is more than enough tension and violence in the world.”
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a summit of the Pan-Islamic body in Istanbul on December 13 to discuss the American decision.
It was still unclear yesterday whether the Muslim leaders would attend the meeting, but all Washington’s allies in the Middle East – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE – warned Mr Trump against the dangerous repercussions of his decision.
Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in 1967, after which it annexed it.
The international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, which is holy to Muslims, Christians and Jews.
At present, there is no foreign embassy in the city.