Trump Informs Abbas, Jordan's Abdullah He Intends to Move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem
U.S. President Donald Trump informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan's King Abdullah that he plans to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Tuesday, according to Abbas' spokesman and Jordanian reports. Trump also called Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi to inform him of the decision.
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Abbas warned Trump in response that the action will have "dangerous consequences," says Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh. Abu Rudeineh said "the Palestinian stance is determined and steadfast - there will not be a Palestinian state without East Jerusalem as its capital according to decisions by the international community. Abu Mazen [Abbas] is now holding an emergency meeting in his bureau following the phone conversation with Trump.”
Following the call, Abbas urged Pope Francis as well as French and Jordanian leaders to intervene on Trump's plan to move the embassy.
According to Jordanian reports, Abdullah also warned Trump of the decision's repercussions on Middle East security and stability. He reportedly pledged he would thwart any American initiative to renew the peace process and would encourage resistance among Muslims and Christians alike.
In the West Bank, the Fatah movement has begun preparations for marches and rallies following Trump's announcement. Heads of Palestinians factions in the West Bank are slated to hold a meeting later Tuesday evening to coordinate protest moves.