The United States has officially announced the opening of its new embassy in al-Quds amid deadly Israeli crackdown on widespread protests by Palestinians in the occupied territories.
“Today we open the United States embassy in Jerusalem [al-Quds], Israel,” US Ambassador to [Israel] David Friedman said at the beginning of the inaugural ceremony on Monday, attended by a US delegation from Washington and leaders of the Israeli regime, according to Press TV.
Among the participants were US President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner, who has been tasked by Washington to “negotiate” an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a recorded message at the ceremony, Trump said he remained committed to peace between Israelis and the Palestinians, also expressing strong support for the Tel Aviv regime.
“The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement,” he said. “The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace.”
In the hours leading up to the inauguration, Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians who have gathered near a Gaza fence for the climax of a six-week demonstration on the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe) when [Israel] was created.
According to Gaza health officials, at least 43 Palestinians have been shot dead and hundreds have been wounded by Israeli snipers who are positioned along the fence, facing the protesters.
Trump recognized al-Quds as the “capital” of the Israeli entity in December last year, promising to relocate the US diplomatic mission from Tel Aviv to the city.
The decision sparked outrage among Palestinians, who deem al-Quds as the future capital of a Palestinian state.
H.M