Last year upon hearing of the US President’s plan to move the embassy to Jerusalem, Hamas told the US that it’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the decision to move the US embassy there, “opens the gates of hell.” I guess the gates of hell have been opened. More than 50 Palestinians have been killed and over 2400 injured by the Israeli army protesting the embassy move to Jerusalem. Moving the embassy to Jerusalem was one of President Trump’s campaign promises. During a recorded video at the embassy opening, the President issued the following remarks, “Today we officially opened the United States embassy in Jerusalem. Congratulations. It’s been a long time coming. For many years we failed to acknowledge the obvious, the plain reality that Israel’s capital is Jerusalem.” Last year after the President’s declaration, Hamas called for a “Day Of Rage,” igniting a powder keg as thousands of Palestinians flooded the West Bank. Hundreds were injured during the three day protest. At the time, Hamas leader Fathy Hammad declared an intifada until the liberation of Jerusalem and all of Palestine. “The youth and the Palestinian resistance in the West Bank need to respond with all means available to the US decision that harms our Jerusalem. It is a red line and the resistance will not allow any desecration of it. This decision is foolish and time will prove a that the biggest losers are Mr Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
As a consequence of the decision, Turkey has recalled it’s ambassadors to Israel and the United States. Turkey and US relations have been deteriorating for quite a few years, escalating with the civil war in Syria. American forces in the Syrian Civil War are openly allied with the Kurdish YPG fighters and support them militarily. Turkey has considered the YPG fighters as terrorists. YPG’s are like American militia’s. Last December, U.S. national security adviser General H.R. McMaster said that Turkey had joined Qatar as a prime source of funding that contributes to the spread of extremist ideology of Islamism, “We’re seeing great involvement by Turkey from everywhere from western Africa to Southeast Asia,” funding groups that help create the conditions that allow terrorism to flourish. During the 6 Day War fought by Israel and the neighboring countries of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria in 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem, which had been controlled by Jordan and has been in control of it ever since. Palestinians and other Arab countries continue to see East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
Politicians and dignitaries including Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner watched as US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin unveiled the US seal, turning what was formally the consulate building into the Embassy. The President’s son in-law, and senior policy adviser, Jared Kushner also attended, telling the assembled congregation, “We believe, it is possible for both sides to gain more than they give, so that all people can live in peace, safe from danger, free from fear, and able to pursue their dreams. Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support, hailing the alliance between America and Israel as stronger than ever. “What a glorious day, remember this moment. This is history. President Trump by recognizing history, you have made history. All of us are deeply moved, all of us are deeply grateful.” Likewise Israeli relationship with the US had soured during the Obama years, primarily because of the US backed Iranian nuclear deal, in which the US and it’s allies agreed to lift sanctions in exchange for the country’s promise not to try to develop a nuclear capability until 2025. Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the “sunset provision,” was particularly worrisome to the Israeli government. A few days ago the Trump administration formally withdrew from JCPOA, calling Iran “a murderous regime,”adding “The fact is, this was a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made. It didn’t bring calm, it didn’t bring peace, and it never will.
The Arab League said it would hold an “extraordinary meeting” on Wednesday to discuss the “illegal” move. Leaders of the protest plan to continue the demonstrations tomorrow.
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