News / Saudi Arabia / FREEPALESTINE / Editor's Choice

Saudi-funded TV channel bans Jordanian presenter over al-Quds tweets

Friday, 08 December 2017 4:53 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 09 December 2017 6:31 AM ]

Jordanian presenter Ola al-Fares

The broadcaster MBC, which is funded by Saudi Arabia, has suspended a TV program hosted by Jordanian presenter Ola al-Fares after she posted a message on Twitter critical of the stance taken by Washington's regional allies toward an announcement by US President Donald Trump on Jerusalem al-Quds.

Saudi Arabia’s Okaz news agency said Fares was banned following an “angry campaign” that was launched against her by Saudi Twitter activists.

The activists reportedly called for the removal of Fares' program, saying she published tweets that “insulted Saudi Arabia.”

Fares said in the Twitter posting that the US president had not chosen "the recognition timing" coincidentally. She referred to Washington's regional allies who would have supported the decision before it was declared. “Tonight we condemn and tomorrow we sing.”

Donald Trump on Wednesday defied global warnings and said the US formally recognized Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel, and would begin the process of moving its embassy to the occupied city.

Washington’s move has raised a chorus of outcry across the international community. The Muslim world, the United Nations and even Washington's allies in the West have criticized the bid, saying it would plunge the already tumultuous region into a new upheaval.

The entire Jerusalem al-Quds is currently under Israel’s control, while the Tel Aviv regime also claims the city’s eastern part, which hosts the third holiest Muslim site.

The city has been designated as “occupied” under international law since the 1967 Arab War, Palestinians want the city as the capital of their future state.

In an attempt to court pro-Israel voters, Trump had vowed during his presidential campaign that he would relocate the US embassy.

Palestinians have repeatedly warned Trump against such an action, saying it would deliver a death blow to any prospect of the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and fuel extremism in the region.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk