Trump’s al-Quds move united Muslim world on Palestinian cause: Commentator

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a communique at the end of an urgent summit which was held in Istanbul on Washington’s contentious declaration on Jerusalem al-Quds, announcing that it would recognize the city as the capital of Palestine. Press TV has talked to Marwa Osman, journalist and political commentator, as well as Wafik Moustafa, chairman of the Conservative Arab Network, to get their opinion on this issue.

Osman believes US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has made the Muslim world “united” on the “major cause” in the Middle East which is the Palestinian issue.  

“We also have to recognize as well that such a deal or such a declaration made which was only recognized and accepted by Israel itself as a Zionist entity made pressure towards the whole world especially the Islamic and Arab world to stand together and voice their discontent and voice their anger towards such an illegal attitude, such a patronizing attitude towards the cause of Palestine, towards the unity among whether Muslims or Arabs or even free countries of the world who speak against the Zionist entity,” she said.

On December 6, Trump sparked international outrage as he declared that Washington was recognizing Jerusalem al-Quds as the “capital” of Israel and that he had instructed his administration to begin the process of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the ancient city.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s Jerusalem policy has drawn fierce criticism from the international community, including Washington's own allies, while triggering demonstrations against the US and Israel worldwide.

The commentator also described as “timely” the OIC summit, adding that the “unified consensus” on recognizing al-Quds as the “legitimate” and “rightful” capital of Palestine is of great importance.

PressTV-Muslim nations recognize al-Quds as Palestine capital

The OIC says Trump's declaration of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital means Washington is not interested in the Middle East's peace and stability.

Osman further stated the international bodies should be pressured into recognizing Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of Palestine, asserting that it is an “important” and “much needed” step forward.

She also noted that the heads of member states of the OIC should stick to their final declaration in order to make it come into reality.

Meanwhile, Wafik Moustafa, the other panelist on the program, opined that the OIC final declaration will have certain effect but it will not get any kind of international recognition behind it.  

He also said the internationalization of al-Quds needs a worldwide effort which will not be an easy task given the United States’ support for Israel.   

Jerusalem al-Quds remains at the core of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians hoping that the eastern part of the city would eventually serve as the capital of a future independent Palestinian state.

 ‘Int’l opposition to force US to renege on Jerusalem move’

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Richard Silverstein told Press TV that the weight of international opposition to Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital will force the United States to “go back” on this announcement.

Palestinian diplomats have demanded that the UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution rejecting Trump's decision.

“However, I do not necessarily look to the United Nations as a very effective tool on this. I think it is worth attempting but even for 14 Security Council members voting in a certain way on this resolution it does not really have a great deal of impact. I think what really has impact is for the nations of the Arab and Muslim world and for the European Union and other forums like that to try to organize a comprehensive response that involves recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations and involves leveling sanctions on the US and Israel,” the political commentator concluded.

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