Focus should be on how to end conflict

Zhao Guangcheng, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle East Studies, Northwestern University

During the Cold War, Palestine received much support in its struggle against Israel. That support has gradually declined after the end of Cold War, and the Israel-Palestine conflict is almost marginalized amid the so-called bigger issues in the Middle East. As a result, the Palestinian people feel helpless and yet more desperate — a perfect ground for breeding hatred and extremism.

That Hamas, which apparently advocates violence to settle the Israel-Palestine conflict, has gained immense popularity in Palestine shows the Palestinians’ level of despair. And after Jerusalem gets a new status, they will become even more desperate, and more of them could join terrorist groups in the hope of launching attacks on US targets.

Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians as well as Muslims, and none of them will give up its claim on it. In fact, official recognition of Jerusalem as either Israeli or Palestinian territory is the most sensitive issue in the Middle East peace process.

There have been rumors that Trump was supported by Jews to run for the US residency and therefore he could take a pro-Israel stance. By declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, Trump will prompt people to dig deeper into the reasons behind his decision.

Instead of focusing on Jerusalem, world leaders, including Israeli and Palestinian leaders, should make more efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful talks.