Palestine warns of US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) RAMALLAH, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Saturday warned against "grave consequences" if US President Donald Trump recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in the coming days in accordance with repeated reports in this regard.

Speaking during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Hamadallah said the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving its embassy to the city will lead to further instability and destroy opportunities of peace in the region.

Any fair solution should lead to the announcement that Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, and the achievement of fair rights of Palestinians, topped with the right of return and the right of self-determination, he said.

Despite settlement activities practiced by Israel, the Palestinian people still believe in co-existence, brotherhood and peace, he said.

"From the city of peace, we called on the entire world to take a united position to end the longest occupation and oppression in modern history," he stressed.

On reconciliation, he said that Palestinians are continuing efforts to consolidate reconciliation as the national responsibility requires discarding all differences so implement seriously and effectively the Cairo agreement to help Gaza and meet its basic and urgent needs.

"From alleys and squares of this city, its churches and monasteries, as well as from the occupied Jerusalem and the besieged Gaza, we deliver a message to the world that our people will remain steadfast and believe in peace and social justice," he said.

Palestinians will stand united to defend their national project to end the Israeli occupation and its settlement. They will also embody their sovereignty and independence, he concluded. (end) nq.hm

MENAFN0212201700710000ID1096179361