Egypt’s Coptic pope renews rejection of US’ Jerusalem decision

Following Al-Azhar’s condemnation of the US’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Coptic Pope, Tawadros II, has renewed the Egyptian Orthodox Church’s rejection of the decision.

Tawadros’ remarks came during the church’s Christmas celebrations on Monday. The mass celebrations where attended by state officials, Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and senior officials and scholars.

During the event, Pope Tawadros II said: “Celebrations always offer an opportunity for promoting love and tolerance and we hope that the New Year brings lots of blessings to all the Egyptians.”

“Such visits [Al-Azhar Imam’s and his delegation’s visit] deliver a clear message to the entire world that Egypt enjoys peace and shows the correct image of Egypt as the home of peace between Islam and Christianity,” he added.

Both Al-Tayeb and Tawadros II cancelled meetings with US Vice President, Mike Pence, following Trump’s announcement on Jerusalem. The US official’s visit was later reported to have been postponed to mid-January.

Read: Israel arrested 620 Palestinians since Trump’s move on Jerusalem

On 6 December, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to formally recognise a united Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and plans to move the American embassy to the occupied city. The decision was severely condemned by numerous foreign and Arab countries around the world.  It has also sparked angry demonstrations across the occupied Palestinian territories and in several Muslim countries.

Israel has cracked down on protesters arresting more than 600 since Trump announced his decision. It has also targeted journalists who have been highlighting its heavy-handed response to unarmed protesters.