Image Credit: OCHA
The United States Monday moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem in accordance with President Donald Trump’s decision amid large Palestinian protests and killing of several protesters from Israeli fire.
Meanwhile, several countries and organizations have criticized the move, saying it has damaged peace prospects
The Trump Administration and Israel are celebrating the relocation of U.S. embassy to Israel-occupied Jerusalem, whose status has yet to be determined.
On Monday, President Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, who are both advisers to the White House, attended the opening ceremony marking relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
According to The New York Times and BBC at least 41 Palestinians were killed in Israeli fire as Palestinians protested in Gaza area bordering Israeli controlled area.
In New York, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to show restraint.
“The Secretary-General is profoundly alarmed by the sharp escalation of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the high number of Palestinians killed and injured in the Gaza protests,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq in a statement.
“Israel security forces must exercise maximum restraint in the use of live fire. Hamas and the leaders of the demonstrations have a responsibility to prevent all violent actions and provocations,” the statement added.
According to BBC, 2700 people have been wounded in Gaza – the Palestinian enclave occupied by Israel. The UN cited reports the Israeli army fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters assembled along the fence with Israel.
The U.S. is the only country to recognize Jerusalem – important to followers of all Abrahamic faiths – as capital of Israel. Israel has defended its response to protests.
Critics of the decision say by recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel, the U.S. has compromised its status as a negotiator of peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, a group of independent global leaders led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Monday criticized the US decision to move its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
In a statement, they reaffirmed their long-held position that the city of Jerusalem must be shared between Israelis and Palestinians as part of a two-state solution based on the internationally-recognized 1967 border, which respects the human and political rights of all its residents.
Kofi Annan, Chairman of the group, called ‘The Elders’, said, “Repeated UN resolutions make clear that the status of Jerusalem can only be changed by agreement between the parties, and then endorsed by the United Nations.
“Today’s ceremonial opening of the new US Embassy in Jerusalem is regrettable and makes it harder to maintain the prospect of a viable two-state solution.”
But in Washington D.C., the White House said with relocation of the embassy, President Donald Trump has fulfilled his promise.
“Israel is a sovereign nation and, like every other sovereign nation, has the right to choose its own capital. Yet for 70 years we neglected to extend this basic courtesy to Israel that we extend to other countries,” a White House statement said.
At the same time, the White House said the Trump Administration “continues to work to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
“The Trump Administration remains committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace agreement. Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is a necessary condition for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
“President Trump has been clear that his recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel does not mean the United States has taken a position on final status negotiations.”
This report has been updated at 23:27 (EST 7:27 p.m.) Monday.
