Hamas: US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital will ‘ignite anger’

The US’ plan to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will “ignite anger and provoke Arab and Islamic nations”, member of Hamas’ Political Bureau Izzat Al-Rishq said yesterday.

“This step is a strong slap for those betting on the mirage of [peace] talks,” Al-Rishq wrote on Twitter, noting that the US administration “has never been an objective mediator” regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The recognition of Trump’s administration does not grant any rights for the [Israeli] occupation and will not change the historic facts in the occupied city of Jerusalem.”

The Hamas leader continued: “Jerusalem has been and will remain forever an Arabic and Islamic city and all the free people from our nation will fight for its complete liberation.”

Recognition provides a “cover for the Israeli occupation to increase its aggression, terrorism, settlement, Judaisation and displacement of Palestinians in Jerusalem and the Israeli aggression against the Islamic and Christian sites in the holy city.”

Read: East Jerusalem ‘must be recognised as capital of independent Palestine,’ insists PA