Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza are demonstrating ahead of US President Donald Trump's expected announcement recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and his plan to move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.
The protests were organized by various Palestinian factions and military groups, who are calling for Palestinian unity. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and banners declaring Jerusalem to be "our eternal capital." They also burned American and Israeli flags.
Hamas official, Salah Bardawil, said, "Trump or anyone thinking that our people, nation and resistance are unable to push back his plans is wrong." Hamas' senior political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, told Al-Jazeera TV that "our Palestinian people will have a suitable response. As a people, we cannot accept this American pattern."
International condemnation
In an agitated round of calls, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the European Union, France, Germany and Turkey have strongly urged Trump against taking this step.
British Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons that Britain's stance is that "the status of Jerusalem should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately form a shared capital. I'm intending to speak to President Trump about this matter."
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Tuesday warned the US about the dangers of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
"Recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel does not calm a conflict, rather it fuels it even more," Gabriel said. "It's in everyone's interest that this does not happen."
SOURCE: DW
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