Strikes and protests planned across Palestine over Jerusalem decision

Palestinian factions on Wednesday called a general strike and midday rallies to protest US President Donald Trump's announcement that he has recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, they said in a joint statement.

Answering the call for strike on Thursday, the Palestinian education ministry declared a day off and urged teachers as well as high school and university students to take part in the planned rallies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Palestinian areas in Jerusalem.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday that Jerusalem was the “eternal capital of the State of Palestine”

In a televised address in response to the US announcement President Abbas said that the Palestinian issue has now entered a critical stage after Trump‘s announcement,

Abbas added that US President Donald Trump’s announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the embassy there is a declaration of Washington‘s withdrawal from the peace process.

(With Reuters)