Calls for Muslim summit if Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Muslim nations voice concern ahead of Trump's announcement on whether he will recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, calling for an Islamic summit

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

04 December, 2017

Mural painting in Gaza in solidarity with Jerusalem [Anadolu]

Jerusalem was annexed by Israel in the six-day war in 1967 [Anadolu]

Should the United States choose to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a Muslim summit will be held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

In an emergency meeting on Monday in Saudi Arabia, the 57-member OIC voiced concern over the possible move ahead of the American president’s statement. President Trump faces a key decision and is expected on Wednesday to announce whether he supports Israel’s claim on Jerusalem as its capital.

"If the United States takes the step of recognising Jerusalem as the so-called capital of Israel, we unanimously recommend holding a meeting at the level of council of foreign ministers followed by an Islamic summit as soon as possible," the pan-Islamic body said in a statement.

The OIC also warned that recognising Jerusalem or establishing any diplomatic mission in the disputed city would be seen as a "blatant attack on the Arab and Islamic nations".

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Jerusalem is a key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and many have warned against the far-reaching consequences of such a move.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' adviser Mahmoud Habash said on Saturday if President Donald Trump were to do so it would amount to a "complete destruction of the peace process."

Turkish deputy prime minister, Bekir Bozdag joined the warnings echoed previously by Arab leaders, warning of a "major catastrophe".

"The status of Jerusalem and Temple Mount have been determined by international agreements. It is important to preserve Jerusalem's status for the sake of protecting peace in the region."

Phone calls between Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan and his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, discussed the status of Jerusalem.

Erdogan reportedly told Abbas, that the preservation of Jerusalem's status was important for all Muslim countries, and that international laws and UN decisions needed to be followed.

Turkey's warnings come last in a series of warnings made by other Muslim and Arab nations.