عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Palestinian Presidency Rejects any Change to East Jerusalem’s Borders

A general view of Jerusalem. (Reuters)
A general view of Jerusalem. (Reuters)
TT
TT

Palestinian Presidency Rejects any Change to East Jerusalem’s Borders

A general view of Jerusalem. (Reuters)
A general view of Jerusalem. (Reuters)

The Palestinian presidency rejected on Saturday any attempt to alter the borders of East Jerusalem, which is occupied by Israel.

Israel annexed the eastern section of the city in 1967 in a move that is not internationally recognized.

Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abou Rudeinah said: “We will not accept any change to the East Jerusalem borders.”

His statement came in response to a US official’s declaration that Washington believes that the Wailing Wall, as it is known to Jews, or the Burak wall, as it is known to Palestinians, should be part of Israel.

He predicted that the Burak wall, also known as the western wall of the Aqsa Mosque, would be part of the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The western wall will in the end become an integral part of Israel, said the US official.

Abou Rudeinah remarked that such statements only confirm that the current American administration was no longer part of the peace process.

On December 6, US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in a move that was condemned by the Arab and Muslim world and the international community.

Abou Rudeinah said that all of Washington’s decisions on Jerusalem related to its recognition of it as the capital of Israel are a violation of international law.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.