Protests erupt in Jerusalem, worldwide over Trump’s recognition of new capital
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Protests erupted among Palestinians and Muslims internationally on Friday, with demonstrations against the US move to officially declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel.
“Whoever moves his embassy to occupied Jerusalem will become an enemy of the Palestinians and a target of Palestinian factions,” said Hamas leader Fathy Hammad. Hamas has called for a new “intifada” or uprising.
The protests are part of what is being called a “day of rage” and were held in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Demonstrators moved toward the Old City gates following Friday prayer at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Violence has mostly been avoided but fights broke out between protestors and police forces.
There are no reports of casualties as of mid-Friday but 31 Palestinians were wounded on Thursday.
Protestors burned posters of U. President Donald Trump in Gaza and Palestinians threw stones at Israeli soldiers in Hebron and Bethlehem. The soldiers responded with tear gas.
Demonstrations were also held in Iran, Egypt, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Trump has reversed a decades-old policy of not recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No nation has its embassy in Jerusalem.
"I've judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” Trump said. Trump has asked the State Department to begin preparation to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.
The move has caused concern internationally over the risk of causing further instability in the Middle East. France, the EU, Turkey, and other countries have expressed their concerns and objections to the move.
Some members of the US Congress, including Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein, have expressed concern over the decision.
Editing by Nadia Riva