Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that East Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine. He made these remarks while receiving the heads of municipalities and local councils in Jerusalem at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah. Abbas emphasized the importance of supporting the steadfastness of the people in Jerusalem and preserving their national and religious identity and institutions.
Abbas highlighted the challenges faced by municipalities and local councils in performing their duties due to ongoing Israeli measures targeting the city, its holy sites, and national institutions. He stressed the need to empower Jerusalemite institutions and municipalities to provide a decent life for citizens in the face of Israeli actions aimed at changing the city's character and identity.
The Palestinian President reiterated that all Israeli measures in occupied East Jerusalem, including settlement activities, land confiscation, and house demolitions, are in violation of international law and UN resolutions. He emphasized that these actions cannot alter the city's legal status or undermine the rights of the Palestinian people.
Abbas called for continued efforts at all levels to protect Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. He also urged international support to preserve the city's legal and historical status, with the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty within the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
The heads of municipalities and local councils in Jerusalem expressed their commitment to the city and its people, vowing to continue serving citizens and promoting steadfastness. They also affirmed their support for the Palestinian leadership in defending Jerusalem and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The meeting took place as Israel continues to implement policies and measures in Jerusalem that have been widely criticized by the international community. The Palestinian Authority has consistently maintained that East Jerusalem is an integral part of Palestine and that any Israeli actions aimed at altering the city's status will not be recognized.
The issue of Jerusalem remains a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the city. The international community generally supports a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
Key points
- East Jerusalem is considered the eternal capital of Palestine by the Palestinian Authority.
- Israeli measures in East Jerusalem are in violation of international law, according to President Abbas.
- The Palestinian leadership seeks international support to preserve Jerusalem's legal and historical status.
