Trump’s decision on Jerusalem “dangerous & insulting”, Palestinian Christian leaders say

The decision by President Donald Trump of the United States of America to recognise Jerusalem as the new capital of Israel has been described as “dangerous” and “insulting” by Palestinian Christian leaders.

The US move is offensive to “Christians and Muslims around the world who consider Jerusalem as an incubator of their most sacred, spiritual and national heritage”, Atallah Hanna, the archbishop of Jerusalem’s Greek Orthodox church, said in a statement on Saturday.

“We, Palestinians, Christians and Muslims reject the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” he added.

“The US gave the occupation what it does not deserve.”

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Protests have been sparked across the Muslim world after the December 6th announcement which has drawn the ire of many Palestinians especially.

However, Trump’s Jerusalem decision was declared null and void three days ago by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

According to reports, a resounding number of 128 votes in favour of rejecting the decision and nine against, while 35 countries abstained during a UN General Assembly emergency meeting which also witnessed the approval of a non-binding resolution.

Trump’s Jerusalem move was rejected despite threats by the US leader to eliminate financial aid to member states who would vote against his decision.

The decision to recognise occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was hotly contested by Turkey, Palestine and other countries with Ankara said to be at the forefront of galvanising efforts on passing the resolution at the UN General Assembly against the decision.

 

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