Large-scale Warnings from Repercussions of Trump’s Insistence to Move Embassy

This file photo taken on January 20, 2017 shows the exterior of the US Embassy building in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv. (AFP/JACK GUEZ)
This file photo taken on January 20, 2017 shows the exterior of the US Embassy building in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv. (AFP/JACK GUEZ)
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Large-scale Warnings from Repercussions of Trump’s Insistence to Move Embassy

This file photo taken on January 20, 2017 shows the exterior of the US Embassy building in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv. (AFP/JACK GUEZ)
This file photo taken on January 20, 2017 shows the exterior of the US Embassy building in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv. (AFP/JACK GUEZ)

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday his plans to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a step that drove Arab and international anger and several warnings from its repercussions.

The issue of the US embassy in Jerusalem was also discussed during a phone conversation between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Trump.

During the phone call made by Trump, the King stressed that any US declaration on the status of Quds before reaching a final settlement, would harm peace negotiation process and escalate tension in the region, adding that the Kingdom was and is still committed to support the Palestinian people and their historical rights.

Trump also telephoned Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah el-Sisi, who all warned him from the dangerous repercussions of moving the location of the embassy.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Press Secretary of the Trump administration, said on Tuesday night that the President “is pretty solid in his thinking at this point.”

Sanders said that Trump would deliver remarks regarding his decision on Jerusalem on Wednesday, adding that the President reiterated his commitment to achieve advancement in the peace operation.

Trump’s decision regarding moving the US embassy to Jerusalem was met by warnings from French President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to cut off diplomatic relations with Israel if Washington recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“This could go as far as cutting our diplomatic relations with Israel. You cannot take such a step,” Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party.

He added that Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims and that Ankara would take necessary measures in the event of the US possible move.



Islamic Consensus in Istanbul on Need for Solidarity Against Israeli Escalation

A commemorative photo of the ministers and officials participating in the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council in Istanbul (AFP)
A commemorative photo of the ministers and officials participating in the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council in Istanbul (AFP)
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Islamic Consensus in Istanbul on Need for Solidarity Against Israeli Escalation

A commemorative photo of the ministers and officials participating in the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council in Istanbul (AFP)
A commemorative photo of the ministers and officials participating in the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council in Istanbul (AFP)

The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul, witnessed a clear consensus among member states on the need for unity and solidarity in the face of Israel’s ongoing escalation. This comes amid continued international silence on the violations committed in Gaza and Israel’s expanding attacks into Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
 
In his opening speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stated that the world’s silence on Israel’s aggressive policies in Palestine has only encouraged its regional expansion. He asserted that the coming period will see a “much greater role for the Islamic world, which must become an independent global power.”
 
Erdogan urged Islamic nations to overcome internal disputes and unite in defending their common causes. He warned that Netanyahu’s “Zionist ambitions” could push the world into catastrophe, likening the threat to that of Adolf Hitler, whose ambitions ignited World War II.
 
Regarding Iran, Erdogan stressed that defending oneself against Israeli attacks is a legitimate right, stating: “There is no difference between an attack on Tehran, Istanbul, Makkah, or Madinah - they share the same fate.”

He also warned against attempts to impose a “new Sykes-Picot” agreement on the region. He added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worse than Nazi concentration camps, with over two million Palestinians struggling to survive under siege for nearly two years.
 
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who assumed the presidency of the session, warned that Israel is dragging the region to the brink of total catastrophe.
He stressed that the core issue is not about Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, or others. It is “an Israeli problem,” he said. He further called for a firm stance against the aggression and praised Egypt and Qatar for their ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire.
 
Fidan criticized the failure of international mechanisms, particularly the UN Security Council, in addressing the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
 
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also condemned any targeting of nuclear facilities in Iran, warning of severe humanitarian and environmental consequences. He said that expanding the war will not bring peace and stressed the necessity of returning to diplomacy, referencing past successful negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
 
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi condemned Israel’s violations of international law and sovereignty in its attacks on Iran. He called for restraint, a return to diplomacy, and praised Oman’s mediation between the US and Iran.
 
Closed sessions were held in Istanbul to discuss developments in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear negotiations. A special Arab ministerial meeting also took place, denouncing the Israeli aggression against Iran and calling for urgent efforts to de-escalate.