Zionist Forces Kill Palestinian Teen in Occupied West Bank

Zionist military forces have shot dead a Palestinian teenage boy in the central part of the occupied West Bank during clashes in protest at US President Donald Trump’s recognition of al-Quds as the capital of Israel.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced in a statement that 17-year-old Musab Firas al-Tamimi sustained serious gunshot wounds on Wednesday as dozens of people staged a demonstration in Deir Nidham village, located approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Ramallah.

 He succumbed to his wounds after he was taken to hospital by the Palestine Red Crescent Society medical staff.

On December 6, Trump announced his decision to recognize al-Quds as Israel’s capital and relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.

The dramatic shift in Washington’s policy vis-à-vis the city triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and other Muslim countries.

On December 21, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution that calls on the US to withdraw its controversial recognition of al-Quds as Israeli “capital.”

In an attempt to avert the resolution, Trump had warned that “we’re watching,” threatening reprisals against countries that backed the measure, which earlier faced a US veto at the UN Security Council.

Israel, however, rejected the world body’s resolution while thanking Trump for his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds.

Trump threatens to cut annual aid to Palestinians

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump said the US pays “the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year” and yet gets “no appreciation or respect.”

“But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?” he asked.

Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, stated on Wednesday that “Palestinians’ rights are not for sale. By recognizing occupied al-Quds as Israel’s capital, Donald Trump has not only violated international law, but has also singlehandedly destroyed the very foundations of peace and condoned Israel’s illegal annexation of the city.”

Ashrawi added, “We will not be blackmailed. President Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible action!”

Palestinian Authority comments on Trump aid threat: Al-Quds not for sale

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority Chief, Mahmoud Abbas’s office said Wednesday that Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is “not for sale” after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut annual aid of more than $300 million.

“Al-Quds is the eternal capital of the state of Palestine and it is not for sale for gold or billions,” Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina told AFP, referring to Trump’s recognition of the holy city as the capital of the Zionist entity.

The December 6 declaration led Abbas to say the United States could no longer play any role in the Middle East peace process.

“We are not against going back to negotiations, but (these should be) based on international laws and resolutions that have recognized an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem (al-Quds) as its capital,” Abu Rudeina said.

Press T.V, Al Manar News

R.S