Palestine Updates: Trump effect.

[BHarwana]

Former Rivals Hamas, Fatah United Against Trump's Move on Jerusalem - PLO Member

A member of the Palestine Liberation Organization has commented on Trump's controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, as well as Russia's efforts in the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Palestinian Hamas and Fatah movements have united to stand against the decision of US President Donald Trump to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Wasel Abu Yousef, told Sputnik Saturday.

"We are united now to stand against the occupant government and the decision of the US toward Jerusalem. We confirm as the Palestinian movements… that Jerusalem is the internal capital of Palestine," the official said.

In response to Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Hamas called for an "intifada" against Israel.

At the same time, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has reportedly decided not to hold a planned meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence to protest Trump's move.

READ MORE: Palestine's Abbas Reportedly Refuses to Meet Pence: 'US Crossed All Red Lines'

On October 10, the rival Palestinian movements Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist organization, and Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political party, began a new round of reconciliation talks under the mediation of Egyptian authorities. The next day, the movements signed an agreement with both sides promising it would usher in a new era of Palestinian unity.

Russia's Stance in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

"Russian President [Vladimir Putin] expressed his very clear point of view, saying that international resolutions and international law are the basis for the resolution of the conflict in the region. We also believe that Russia and President Putin are friends of the Palestinian people and are always on the side of the legitimate international resolutions and international law," Wasel Abu Yousef said.

The PLO Executive Committee's member has called on all friendly countries to take steps that would help resolve the situation around Jerusalem.

Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the embassy there from Tel Aviv has caused concern in a number of countries around the world.




https://sputniknews.com/world/201712091059856180-palestine-russia-jerusalem-capital/

 

[Falcon29]

Main thread is here:

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/live-president-trump-gives-a-statement-on-jerusalem.532155/page-15

Reported for repost.

 

[BHarwana]

Turkey 'strongly' condemns Israeli violence against Palestinian protesters

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester on December 9, 2017, in East Jerusalem. (AFP Photo)


Turkish Foreign Ministry "strongly" condemned Saturday the "disproportionate use of force" against Palestinians protesting the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The statement released by the ministry said Turkey is deeply saddened and concerned about the intervention f Israeli forces which led to death of four Palestinian protesters and injured hundreds more.

"We strongly condemn the use of disproportionate force by Israel," it added.

Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv will be moved to Jerusalem, garnering worldwide criticism, including from its regional allies and fellow U.N. Security Council member states.

The decision caused widespread protests across the Muslim world while demonstrations in Palestine turned violent after Israeli military started to use live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protests.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most hotly contested issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel occupied the east of the city in 1967 and later annexed it in moves never recognized by the international community.

Israel considers the city its undivided capital, but Palestinians believe the east is illegally occupied and see it as the capital of their future state.




https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomac...raeli-violence-against-palestinian-protesters

 

[litman]

more palestinian blood will be shed in next few months just because of the bastar* sitting in the white house enjoying his mcdonlds. when the muslim leaders will realize that the major terrorist in this world is US?

 

[BHarwana]

Hamas slams Israel for targeting peaceful protest
09 Dec 2017 - 13:51

By Ali Semerci | Anadolu
GAZA CITY, Palestine: Hamas on Friday condemned the Israeli army for targeting demonstrators in the West Bank and Gaza City.
Hazem Qassim, a spokesperson for the Gaza-based group, described the army’s actions against the peaceful protest as a "crime committed under U.S. auspices".
“We call on the Palestinian people to take to the streets in every city they live in to launch a new Intifada with a view to defending Jerusalem,” Qassim said in a statement.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as well as plans to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the contested city.




http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/ar...s-slams-Israel-for-targeting-peaceful-protest

 

[somebozo]

Palestinians are like the football of middle east..punch them, drag them..have fun..never take them seriously..

 

[BHarwana]

China offers to help get Israelis and Palestinians talking
Beijing calls for restraint as violence follows US decision to move embassy to Jerusalem

China has offered to play a part in the Middle East peace process, saying on Saturday that it would work to bring Israeli and Palestinian representatives together for a forum on possible solutions.

The offer comes amid renewed conflict following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there.

The violence prompted the Chinese embassy in Israel to warn its citizens in the country to “stay vigilant”. It said they should be cautious when travelling to conflict areas including the old city of Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza and the Israel-Lebanon border.

Addressing a foreign ministry forum in Beijing on Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital but both sides should exercise restraint.

“China will try hosting a peace symposium between Palestinians and Israelis this year, and continue playing a constructive role to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue,” he said.

China held similar gatherings in 2006 and 2013.

China has extensive economic and military ties with Israel, particularly in infrastructure. Chinese companies are building a mass transit system for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and a new cargo port at Ashdod on the Mediterranean coast.





http://www.scmp.com/news/china/dipl...rs-help-get-israelis-and-palestinians-talking

 

[Falcon29]

Why aren't you posting in main thread? How are people going to get accurate timeline of events?

 

[BHarwana]

Hamas expects Indonesia to rally objection to US decision on Israel
Reporter: Agus Setiawan 20 hours ago

An Indonesian girl showing "Freedom For Palestine" poster in a protest at Jakarta's UN office. (ANTARA FOTO/Muhammad Adimaja)

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News) - Palestinian faction Hamas has expressed hope that Indonesia will rally opinion to oppose the US decision recognizing Jerusalem as Israeli capital when the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convenes an emergency meeting in Turkey on Dec 13.

"The Indonesian president will attend the OIC emergency meeting and Indonesia has strong position to influence and reject the US decision recognizing Jerusalem as Israeli capital," spokesman for Hamas political bureau, Dr Maher Salah here on Thursday.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a United Malay National Organization (UMNO) meeting.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is set to attend the OIC meeting which will discuss US President Donald Trump`s recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital on Dec 13.

Maher said the Indonesian government can also encourage a strong expression of public anger to oppose the decision and do several things that Hamas will deliver.

"The Indonesian government is Palestine`s fellow. We praise Indonesia for its roles played at international or international organization level," he said.

He said his side needs much support for Palestine at all levels including political and economic levels.

"We expect Arab countries and Muslim countries to support us," he said.




https://en.antaranews.com/news/1137...a-to-rally-objection-to-us-decision-on-israel

Erdogan and Macron to urge U.S. to turn back on Jerusalem decision: sources

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan and France’s Emmanuel Macron will work together to try to persuade the United States to reconsider its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a Turkish presidential source said on Saturday.

An Israeli border policeman is seen next to burning tires during clashes with Palestinians at a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, near the West Bank city of Ramallah December 9, 2017. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
The two leaders agreed during a phone call that the move is worrisome for the region, the source said, adding that Turkey and France would make a joint effort to try to reverse the U.S. decision.

Erdogan also spoke on the phone to the presidents of Kazakhstan, Lebanon and Azerbaijan on Saturday regarding the issue, the source said. On Wednesday, he called an urgent meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Turkey next week.

President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday has upset U.S. allies in the West. At the United Nations, France, Italy, Germany, Britain and Sweden called on the United States to “bring forward detailed proposals for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement”.

Palestinians took to the streets following the U.S. decision. Demonstrations also took place in Iran, Jordan, Tunisia, Somalia, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia, and outside the U.S. embassy in Berlin.

The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations.

France has been a supporter of the Palestinian cause. In 2014, the French National Assembly passed a non-binding motion calling on the government to recognize Palestine, but the government has not officially done so.

Paris has pointed out in the past its conviction that a two-state solution requires the recognition of Palestine.


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...k-on-jerusalem-decision-sources-idUSKBN1E30GG

Afghan Govt Asked To Suspend Relations With US

Wolesi Jirga speaker says Trump’s Jerusalem decision highlights the crisis at international level and it is an act of aggression.

In a statement issued on Saturday, members of Afghan parliament asked the Kabul government to suspend all its relations with the US following President Donald Trump’s decision on Jerusalem.

The lawmakers said Trump’s decision on Jerusalem is a move against peace.

“In reaction to this anti-Islamic and anti-humanity decree, the diplomatic and trade ties should be suspended until the decision is canceled,” MP Abdul Qayyum Sajjadi said.

“The Islamic nations’ presidents and officials are slaves and you (MPs) should take a stance,” MP Abdul Sattar Khawasi said.

The MPs said recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is against democratic values and that asked the government to stop all its ties with the US.

“This decision highlights the crisis at international level and it is an act of aggression,” said Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, speaker of the Wolesi Jirga, the Lower House of Parliament.

“I ask (Trump) to withdraw his signature and to never underestimate Muslims,” MP Lailuma Hakimi said.

According to the MPs, the inability to make decisions and the lack of solidarity and cooperation between the Muslim nations, are the reasons that Trump was encouraged to make such decision.

“If you think the powerful (countries) will be stopped by shouting, it will never happen,” MP Abdul Rauf Anami said.

“America is a hypocrite, America is a bully, American is the big devil,” MP Mohammad Sarwar Osmani Farahi said.

Trump on Thursday night announced that he officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. His decision was denounced by many of countries.


http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/afghan-govt-asked -suspend-relations-us


@Path-Finder isn't Trump finally resolving the Afghan issue?

Stun grenades land near RT crew in Jerusalem as violence continues after Trump’s decision (VIDEO

RT’s crew has witnessed the violence in Jerusalem first-hand as Israeli police disperse the Palestinians protesting Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the city as the capital of Israel. A wave of indignation across the Middle East has met the decision.

RT’s Charlotte Dubenskij was reporting from Salah ad Din street, the main thoroughfare of East Jerusalem, when several stun grenades landed meters away from her, the loud bangs forcing her to take shelter behind a parked car.

Israeli police disperse Palestinian protesters in East Jerusalem, December 9, 2017 © Ahmad Gharabli / AFP
In East Jerusalem, mounted police keep dispersing the Palestinians, who attempt to block traffic. The Israel Police Spokesperson for international media Mickey Rosenfeld said that two policemen were wounded in the clashes, and six protestors were arrested. “Police security measures continue in Jerusalem with emphasis in and around the area of the Old City,” he said.

https://twitter.com/x/status/939510179321864198

The RT crew has filmed at least one injured elderly man taken away by the medics. Palestinian news agency WAFA said that mounted police ran over several people in Jerusalem, including journalists. A RIA Novosti journalist on the scene reported that police were knocking phones from the hands of the reporters while dispersing the protesters. According to Red Crescent, at least 12 people were injured in Jerusalem on the day.

Israeli security forces detain Palestinian protesters in East Jerusalem on December 9, 2017 © Ahmad Gharabli / AFP
Trash cans were set alight in the city and stun grenade explosions were heard frequently, he added. The police have been reportedly making arrests among Palestinians hiding in nearby malls. When the detainees were taken out into the street, the Palestinian protestors shouted obscenities and threw stones at the officers, RIA Novosti said.

The protests in East Jerusalem lasted for about six hours before traffic along Salah ad Din Street was restored.

The clashes, between Palestinian protestors angered by the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on one side and Israeli security forces on the other, have gone into their fourth day, with violence reported in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza on Saturday.

Women react as an Israeli mounted policeman disperses Palestinian protesters on December 9, 2017, in East Jerusalem © Ahmad Gharabli / AFP
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that several hundred Palestinians were involved in demonstrations on Saturday, adding that security forces were keeping the situation under control. The protests were however on a smaller scale than those on Friday, when two Palestinians were killed and over 300 others injured.

Dozens of people were wounded during riots in Bethlehem on Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry said as cited by WAFA. The security forces used tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets when the crowd of several hundred approached an Israeli military base in the city.

A Palestinian protestor throws back a tear gas canister during clashes with Israeli forces near an Israeli checkpoint in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on December 9, 2017 © Musa Al Shaer / AFP
In Gaza, hundreds of rioters amassed in at least eight separate locations on the border with Israel, the IDF said. The Palestinians were throwing stones and burning tires, with the Israeli side deploying tear gas and rubber bullets against the rioters.



https://www.rt.com/news/412586-palestinians-protest-jerusalem-capital/

 

[jewishm]

no one cares

 

[BHarwana]

The Latest: Arab leader asks nations to recognize Palestine

Palestinians clash with Israeli troops during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Saturday, Dec.9, 2017. (Nasser Shiyoukhi/Associated Press)
By Associated Press December 9 at 2:41 PM
JERUSALEM — The Latest on the fallout from the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (all times local):

9:30 p.m.

The Arab League chief has called on world nations to recognize the State of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the holy city as Israel’s capital.

Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, speaking Saturday at the start of an emergency meeting of Arab League foreign ministers, said Trump’s decision “condemned” the country that took it and the administration that passed it.

The decision, he said, raises a question mark over Washington’s role as a peace mediator, not just in the Middle East but in the entire world.

“The decision amounts to the legalization of occupation,” said Aboul-Gheit, alluding to the occupation and later annexation of east Jerusalem by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

7:15 p.m.

Arab foreign ministers are arriving in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, to attend an emergency meeting to formulate a unified response to President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The ministerial meeting brings together foreign ministers from Arab League member-states and is scheduled to open in Cairo later on Saturday.

The meeting takes place amid a wave of anger at the U.S. leader’s decision, which sparked three days of street protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In Cairo, the heads of the largest Christian church and the Al-Azhar, the world’s top seat of learning for Sunni Muslims, have announced they would not meet U.S. Vice President Mike Pence when he visits Cairo Dec. 20.

Hundreds also protested Trump’s decision at Al-Azhar mosque on Friday.



https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...848315642d0_story.html?utm_term=.db17ce374c58

Putin to visit Turkey for Jerusalem, Syria talks

ISTANBUL: Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Turkey on Monday for talks with his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Syria and the United States’ recognition of Occupied Jerusalem as the Israeli regime’s capital, the Turkish presidency said on Friday.

Putin will visit Ankara “at the invitation of” Erdogan, the presidency said in a statement, adding that the talks would focus on the latest developments on Occupied Jerusalem and the situation in Syria.

The Kremlin confirmed the visit, saying the two men planned to “discuss current questions of bilateral cooperation and above all the progress of joint projects in energy.”

This appeared to be a reference to the TurkStream pipeline that is being built under the Black Sea to pump Russian natural gas to Turkey, and also to the Akkuyu nuclear power plant Moscow is building in southern Turkey.

It added that talks are also scheduled “on key international problems, including the situation in the Middle East and finding a solution in Syria.”

The latest encounter between the two leaders comes at a time of intense diplomacy between Turkey and Russia, especially over Syria.

It will be their eighth face-to-face meeting this year.

Russia, along with Iran, is the key backer of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, and Moscow’s military intervention inside Syria is widely seen as having tipped the balance in the conflict.

Turkey, however, has backed the rebels seeking Al Assad’s ouster in a conflict that has left more than 330,000 dead.

But Russia and Turkey have been working together since a 2016 reconciliation deal ended a crisis caused by the shooting down of a Russian warplane over Syria.

In recent months, Turkey has markedly toned down its criticism of the Al Assad regime and focused on opposing a Syrian Kurdish militia seen by Ankara as a terror group.

Their last meeting was on November 22 in the Russian resort of Sochi, when they were joined by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for a three way summit on Syria.

Both Turkey and Russia have expressed alarm at the US move to recognise Occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Putin said he was “deeply concerned” while Erdogan has taken a strong line against the move and called an emergency summit meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on December 13 in Istanbul.



http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/turkey/putin-to-visit-turkey-for-jerusalem-syria-talks-1.2137890

 

[BHarwana]

Malaysia to attend OIC meet and stand by Muslim brothers against US' Jerusalem move

By ROSLI ZAKARIA
December 9, 2017 @ 7:36pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will meet with leaders of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations on the rejection of Muslim nations of the United States announcement to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

Getting the support from all delegates, especially the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, Najib said Malaysia could not accept the pressure placed on its Muslim brothers in whatever situation.

"How can we accept the humiliation on one of three holiest sites for Islam. We will fight until the end," he said in his closing remarks at the Umno general assembly.

Najib has cancelled a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to attend the OIC special meeting in Istanbul on the invitation of Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Turkey.

The meeting is scheduled next Wednesday

"Mr Erdogan said Malaysia's voice is important. I had to cancel a consultative meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"I have informed him ( Lee) that the OIC meeting is about a matter which affects my faith as a Muslim and the faith if all Muslims."

Later at Press conference, Najib said Malaysia-US ties are multi-dimensional, but Malaysia would not budge from its stand against the handing over of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

"We can work with (US) on other aspects, but in this matter (Jerusalem), we remain with our principle. It is something unacceptable, and against the rule sovereignty as decided (in the region) by United Nations Security Council.

"The issue will lead to difficulties in holding discussions pertaining to the two-state resolution. Severe tension will mount and possibly blood will be spilt.

"I understand that even the Christians are not at ease with the current development. The European countries and non-Muslim countries are of similar sentiments."

Najib also said the US Ambassador to Malaysia would be officially informed by Wisma Putra on Malaysia's stand.

He, however, denied that military measure would be in place as of now.

"We are now using diplomacy and negotiation channels."

At the Umno general assembly, Najib also commended Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin for organising a succesful rally which unites Malaysians from all walks of life and political divide in front of the Tabung Haji building after Friday prayer to protest against the US move.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia would continue to speak up on behalf of the people of Palestine.

He added that Najib would also carry the voice of Umno in fighting for the Palestinian cause.

"We have been consistent in upholding the rights of the Palestinians, similar to our stand when speaking against the atrocity on the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar," he said.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said US' recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital was a "huge slap" to the Muslim world.

"The Armed Forces is standing by for any eventuality concerning the ongoing Jerusalem controversy," he said.

Puteri chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the move by US president Donald Trump was like firing a missile to the holy city.

"Let us pressure Trump to revoke his action before a huge conflict starts," she said.



https://www.nst.com.my/news/politic...nd-stand-muslim-brothers-against-us-jerusalem

 

[BHarwana]

Lebanon urges Arab League to sanction US over Jerusalem decision

Published time: 9 Dec, 2017 21:47 Edited time: 10 Dec, 2017 00:05
Get short URL

Arab League foreign ministers hold an emergency meeting in Cairo, Egypt December 9, 2017 © Mohamed Abd El Ghany / Reuters

Arab League nations should pressure the US to reverse its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Lebanon’s foreign minister told a gathering in Cairo, which condemned the move as “dangerous and unacceptable.”

“Pre-emptive measures (must be) taken against the decision, beginning with diplomatic measures, then political, then economic and (then) financial sanctions,” Gebran Bassil said Saturday at a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Egypt's capital, as cited by Reuters.

The Arab League’s foreign ministers convened an emergency meeting in Cairo, following a Palestinian and Jordanian request to forge a united response to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and the US' plans to relocate its embassy to the Holy City.

Discussing ways to deal with the new American policy, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki called on the international community to recognize the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, AP reported.

“The decision amounts to the legalization of occupation,” said Aboul-Gheit, while al-Maliki urged the League to submit a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council condemning the US decision. Wednesday's move by President Donald Trump sparked massive protests across the Arab world and elsewhere.

Trump’s declaration was “against international law and raises questions over American efforts to support peace” in the region, Aboul-Gheit said, according to Al Jazeera. The US policy “undermines Arab confidence” in Trump and “amounts to the legalization” of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, he added.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, has called on the US administration to reverse its decision on Jerusalem, insisting that “the Arab initiative presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and approved by the Beirut summit in 2002 is a roadmap for solving all crises,” Al Arabiya reported.

The Saudis also called on the international community “to intensify its efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution” to the conflict.

The Arab Peace Initiative, endorsed by the Arab League, envisages the normalization of relations between Arab nations and Israel, if, amongst other conditions, Tel Aviv withdraws from the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, and implements “a just solution to the Palestinian Refugee problem.” The strategy further calls for an acceptance of the establishment of a Palestinian State along the 1967 borders, “with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Despite repeated warnings by global and regional powers, Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel on December 6, triggering a strong backlash and widespread condemnation. Following the announcement, massive anti-American rallies erupted across the region.

The most intense clashes are playing out in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza, as Palestinians continue to fight for their cause, after Hamas called for an intifada (uprising). The crackdown on protests which have gripped the Israeli occupied territories has been brutal. Hundreds of people have been injured as Israeli security forces fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to suppress the Palestinian rage. On Saturday alone, over 230 Palestinians were injured, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said, with 171 wounded on the West Bank and Jerusalem, and another 60 in the Gaza Strip




https://www.rt.com/news/412596-arab-league-us-sanctions-jerusalem/

https://twitter.com/x/status/939561661542912001

 

[BHarwana]

Erdogan steps up attacks on ‘state of occupation’ Israel

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described on Saturday Israel as a “state of occupation” which used “terror” against the Palestinians, as he stepped up his criticism of the US recognition of Jerusalem as its capital.

Erdogan has been bitterly opposed to the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has called a summit of Islamic countries on December 13 in Istanbul.

“Israel is a state of occupation,” Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul, referring to Israel’s continued occupation of the West Bank and settlement building. “And now they are making use of terror and are bombing young people and children.”

Retaliatory Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip killed two militants from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas before dawn, bringing to four the number killed since Trump announced the move.

Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and an opponent of any perceived global injustice against Muslims, described Jerusalem as the “apple of our eye” and a “red line” for Muslims.

He said that the American decision was “null and void” for Ankara.

“Trump seeks to move forward by saying ‘there we go, I did it, it’s done!’. I’m sorry but… being strong does not give you such a right.”

“The leaders of major countries have a mission to make peace. Not unleash conflicts.

On Saturday, Erdogan continued to play a central role in diplomatic efforts in the crisis, telephoning French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese President Michel Aoun, the presidency said.

Last year, Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered by Israel’s storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead and led to a downgrading of diplomatic ties.

The two sides have since stepped up cooperation, particularly in energy, but Erdogan has repeatedly been bitterly critical of Israeli policy.

Last week he warned that Turkey’s reaction “could go as far as” cutting relations with Israel, but he made no reference to this in his latest speech.


https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...s-up-attacks-on-state-of-occupation-israel-2/

 

[BHarwana]

‘Don’t buy from Arabs’, says Israeli Defense Minister

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has called on his fellow citizens to boycott the Palestinian market of the Wadi Ara region of north-east Israel, after riots broke out there on Saturday over the American decision to move their embassy to Jerusalem. Three people were injured when protesters began hurling stones at a bus. “I am calling for a boycott of Wadi Ara. Don’t go there and don’t buy there. They need to understand that it is impossible to demonstrate with Hezbollah flags, Palestinian flags and pictures of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah. To accept billions from the National Insurance [Institute] and to also destroy us from within,” Haaretz quoted Lieberman telling Army Radio.

https://www.rt.com/newsline/412641-israel-boycott-arabs-embassy-riots/