Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
SA condemns Trump’s decision
Intention to move US embassy to Jerusalem
SOUTH Africa, along with the international community, is alarmed at US President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in Israel, as well as his announcement that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
Under international law East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as the capital of their future state, is occupied territory.
There are now fears of a new Palestinian uprising following violent clashes between Israeli security forces and protesting Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday which left over 30 Palestinians injured.
Yesterday there were protests as part of a “day of rage” by Muslims in various parts of the world.
South African reaction to Trump’s Wednesday night announcement has been sharp.
On Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Cosatu, the South African chapter of the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanc- tions (BDS) campaign, and the United Ulama Council of South Africa all released statements strongly condemning the move.
Outspoken Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu took it a step further, saying that “those who claim divine rights for themselves to physical property on Earth are false prophets”.
“God does not discriminate between Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Daoist and atheists – or any other people,” said Tutu.
The Ahmed Kathadra Foundation yesterday said: “The decision by Trump is an attempt to legitimise the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel.
“The consequences of such a move are likely to end all attempts at peace talks between Israel and Palestine. It will also embolden right-wing reactionaries who refuse to recognise Israeli occupation for what it is,” said executive director of the Kathrada Foundation, Neeshan Balton.
Today is the 30th anniversary of the first Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation. – ANA