The Palestinian leadership on Saturday described as "irresponsible" Australia's recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying it violated international law.

The country became one of just a few to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and recognise the contested city as Israel's capital, saying.

Australia said it would open a defence and trade office in the west of the holy city and Prime Minister Scott Morrison also committed to recognising a future state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital.

Most foreign nations avoided moving embassies there to prevent inflaming peace talks on the city's final status -- until Trump unilaterally moved the US embassy there earlier this year.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said in a statement that the Australian decision to open a trade office in the city violated a United Nations resolution.

"From the beginning, we've perceived the Australian government's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital as one wherein petty domestic politics steer irresponsible policies that contradict world peace and security," he said in a statement.

"All of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations, while east Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory," he added.

Morrison earlier Saturday announced his country's move on Jerusalem.

"Australia now recognises west Jerusalem -- being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government -- is the capital of Israel," he said in Sydney.

 
&nbsp;

The Palestinian leadership on Saturday described as "irresponsible" Australia's recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying it violated international law.

The Palestinian leadership on Saturday described as "irresponsible" Australia's recognition of west Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying it violated international law. The country became one of just a few to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and recognise the contested city as Israel's capital, saying. Australia said it would open a defence and trade office in the west of the holy city and Prime Minister Scott Morrison also committed to recognising a future state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. Most foreign nations avoided moving embassies there to prevent inflaming peace talks on the city's final status -- until Trump unilaterally moved the US embassy there earlier this year. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said in a statement that the Australian decision to open a trade office in the city violated a United Nations resolution. "From the beginning, we've perceived the Australian government's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital as one wherein petty domestic politics steer irresponsible policies that contradict world peace and security," he said in a statement. "All of Jerusalem remains a final status issue for negotiations, while east Jerusalem, under international law, is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory," he added. Morrison earlier Saturday announced his country's move on Jerusalem. "Australia now recognises west Jerusalem -- being the seat of the Knesset and many of the institutions of government -- is the capital of Israel," he said in Sydney.

Palestinians slam Australia's move on Jerusalem

An Israeli court on Sunday released the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem from detention to house arrest for three days as part of an investigation related to a land sale.

Adnan Gheith, who was arrested on November 25, will be confined to his home through Tuesday, Jerusalem magistrate court justice Chavi Toker ruled.

Police have been investigating Gheith over suspicions he was involved in the Palestinian Authority's arrest in October of America-Palestinian Issam Akel, who is accused of involvement in selling an east Jerusalem building to Jewish buyers.

Such sales are considered treasonous among Palestinians concerned with Israeli settlers buying property in annexed east Jerusalem.

Police also suspect Gheith of recruiting Palestinian residents of Jerusalem to the PA armed forces, which Israel says violates the 1993 Oslo accords.

Palestinian officials have condemned his arrest and claim it is intended to pressure the Palestinian leadership over Akel's case.

Israelis, as well as US ambassador David Friedman, have called for Akel's release.

Geith's lawyer, Rami Othman, said the court's decision to release his client to house arrest proved the case was not serious.

"The mountain gave birth to a mouse," Othman told AFP.

"They want to harass him," he said following Sunday's hearing.

He said they did not want him to remain Jerusalem governor. "They don't like the position."

Gheith had been arrested for several days in October and was also taken for questioning a number of times in recent weeks, with his office raided on November 4.

Israel meanwhile has halted security coordination with the PA in the Jerusalem area, Major General Adnan Al-Dumeiri, spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, told AFP.

Israel's public broadcaster Kan said that ending the coordination was a means in pressuring the Palestinians to release Akel from detention.&nbsp;

Security officials in Israel would not comment on the issue.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

PA activities are barred from Jerusalem by Israel.

As a result, the PA has a minister for Jerusalem affairs and a Jerusalem governor located in Al-Ram, just on the other side of Israel's separation wall from the city in the occupied West Bank.

An Israeli court on Sunday released the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem from detention to house arrest for three days as part of an investigation related to a land sale.

An Israeli court on Sunday released the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem from detention to house arrest for three days as part of an investigation related to a land sale. Adnan Gheith, who was arrested on November 25, will be confined to his home through Tuesday, Jerusalem magistrate court justice Chavi Toker ruled. Police have been investigating Gheith over suspicions he was involved in the Palestinian Authority's arrest in October of America-Palestinian Issam Akel, who is accused of involvement in selling an east Jerusalem building to Jewish buyers. Such sales are considered treasonous among Palestinians concerned with Israeli settlers buying property in annexed east Jerusalem. Police also suspect Gheith of recruiting Palestinian residents of Jerusalem to the PA armed forces, which Israel says violates the 1993 Oslo accords. Palestinian officials have condemned his arrest and claim it is intended to pressure the Palestinian leadership over Akel's case. Israelis, as well as US ambassador David Friedman, have called for Akel's release. Geith's lawyer, Rami Othman, said the court's decision to release his client to house arrest proved the case was not serious. "The mountain gave birth to a mouse," Othman told AFP. "They want to harass him," he said following Sunday's hearing. He said they did not want him to remain Jerusalem governor. "They don't like the position." Gheith had been arrested for several days in October and was also taken for questioning a number of times in recent weeks, with his office raided on November 4. Israel meanwhile has halted security coordination with the PA in the Jerusalem area, Major General Adnan Al-Dumeiri, spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, told AFP. Israel's public broadcaster Kan said that ending the coordination was a means in pressuring the Palestinians to release Akel from detention. Security officials in Israel would not comment on the issue. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community. It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. PA activities are barred from Jerusalem by Israel. As a result, the PA has a minister for Jerusalem affairs and a Jerusalem governor located in Al-Ram, just on the other side of Israel's separation wall from the city in the occupied West Bank.

Israel releases Palestinian Jerusalem governor to house arrest

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch.

"As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," Bolsonaro tweeted, a move that will defy Palestinians and most of the world.

In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960. 
Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, with international consensus being that the status of the whole city must be negotiated between the two sides.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.

In December, President Donald Trump reversed longstanding US policy and recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, prompting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to boycott his administration.

The embassy was officially transferred on May 14. Guatemala and Paraguay followed suit, though the latter announced last month it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv.

Bolsonaro, 63, who won a run-off election on Sunday, has outraged many with his overtly misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric. 
Following his victory, Netanyahu told Bolsonaro he was certain his election "will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and the tightening of links between Brazil and Israel."

An official in Netanyahu's office told AFP the Israeli premier was "very likely" to attend Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in January.

Bolsonaro meanwhile plans to make Israel one of his first foreign trips as president, along with the United States and Chile -- countries that "share our worldview," according to the president-elect's future for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday, making the Latin American giant the largest country after the United States to make the controversial switch. "As previously stated during our campaign, we intend to transfer the Brazilian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is a sovereign state and we shall duly respect that," Bolsonaro tweeted, a move that will defy Palestinians and most of the world. In interviews, Bolsonaro said Israel should have the right to decide where its capital is located, just as Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, with international consensus being that the status of the whole city must be negotiated between the two sides. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community. In December, President Donald Trump reversed longstanding US policy and recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, prompting Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to boycott his administration. The embassy was officially transferred on May 14. Guatemala and Paraguay followed suit, though the latter announced last month it would return its embassy to Tel Aviv. Bolsonaro, 63, who won a run-off election on Sunday, has outraged many with his overtly misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric. Following his victory, Netanyahu told Bolsonaro he was certain his election "will lead to a great friendship between our peoples and the tightening of links between Brazil and Israel." An official in Netanyahu's office told AFP the Israeli premier was "very likely" to attend Bolsonaro's inauguration ceremony in January. Bolsonaro meanwhile plans to make Israel one of his first foreign trips as president, along with the United States and Chile -- countries that "share our worldview," according to the president-elect's future for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem: President-elect Bolsonaro

Head bowed, German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid homage in Jerusalem on Thursday (October 4) to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and said Germany had a responsibility to confront anti-Semitism and never to forget the Holocaust.

She began a day of meetings between Israeli and German government officials with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, where she laid a wreath on a stone slab that contains ashes of death camp victims.

Merkel, wearing black, then clasped her hands in front of her and stood with head bowed next to the crypt in Yad Vashem's tent-shaped Hall of Remembrance.

In the stone hall, an eternal flame flickers from a base fashioned like a broken bronze goblet, illuminating the names of 22 of Nazi Germany's extermination and concentration camps engraved on the floor.

Merkel arrived in Israel on Wednesday (October 3) for a 24-hour visit as part of annual government-to-government talks between German and Israeli ministers, and had dinner with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Jerusalem residence.

The two leaders planned to meet again on Thursday for discussions expected to focus on Iran and the long-stalled peace process with the Palestinians, before holding a news conference.

Head bowed, German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid homage in Jerusalem on Thursday (October 4) to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and said Germany had a responsibility to confront anti-Semitism and never to forget the Holocaust.

Head bowed, German Chancellor Angela Merkel paid homage in Jerusalem on Thursday (October 4) to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis and said Germany had a responsibility to confront anti-Semitism and never to forget the Holocaust. She began a day of meetings between Israeli and German government officials with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, where she laid a wreath on a stone slab that contains ashes of death camp victims. Merkel, wearing black, then clasped her hands in front of her and stood with head bowed next to the crypt in Yad Vashem's tent-shaped Hall of Remembrance. In the stone hall, an eternal flame flickers from a base fashioned like a broken bronze goblet, illuminating the names of 22 of Nazi Germany's extermination and concentration camps engraved on the floor. Merkel arrived in Israel on Wednesday (October 3) for a 24-hour visit as part of annual government-to-government talks between German and Israeli ministers, and had dinner with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Jerusalem residence. The two leaders planned to meet again on Thursday for discussions expected to focus on Iran and the long-stalled peace process with the Palestinians, before holding a news conference.

Germany's Merkel visits Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason.

The announcement by the White House came soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-icj-verdict-us-terminate-1955-treaty-amity-iran-169266">termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity</a> with Iran.

Iran made a mockery of the treaty with its support for terrorism, provocative ballistic missile proliferation and malign behaviour throughout the Middle East, Bolton told reporters at a White House news conference.

"In addition to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-origin-threat-us-missions-iraq-pompeo-169265">Treaty of Amity</a>, I am announcing that the president has decided that the United States will withdraw from the Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," Bolton said.

"This is in connection with a case brought by the so-called state of Palestine naming the United States as a defendant, challenging our move of our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," he said.

Bolton, simultaneously underscored that the US remained a party to the underlying Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and it expects all other parties to abide by their international obligations under the convention.

The top Trump administration official insisted that the two actions were consistent with the decisions former US President Ronald Reagan made in the 1980s in the wake of the politicised suits against the US by Nicaragua to terminate its acceptance of the Optional Compulsory Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36-2 of the ICJ statute, and his decision to withdraw from a bilateral treaty with Nicaragua.

"It is also consistent with the decision President Bush made in 2005 to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations following the ICJ's interference in our domestic criminal justice system," he said.

Bolton also said the administration was reviewing all international agreements that could expose it to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice saying it was politicised and ineffective.

The US in May opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump, amid a bloodbath right on the border with Gaza where Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 52 Palestinians in clashes, in the deadliest escalation of violence since 2014.

President Donald Trump announced the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December, when he formally recognised the holy city as the capital of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason.

The US has decided to withdraw from the optional protocol on disputes of the Vienna Convention, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Wednesday, citing a Palestinian lawsuit challenging America's move to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem as the reason. The announcement by the White House came soon after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran. Iran made a mockery of the treaty with its support for terrorism, provocative ballistic missile proliferation and malign behaviour throughout the Middle East, Bolton told reporters at a White House news conference. "In addition to the Treaty of Amity, I am announcing that the president has decided that the United States will withdraw from the Optional Protocol and Dispute Resolution to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," Bolton said. "This is in connection with a case brought by the so-called state of Palestine naming the United States as a defendant, challenging our move of our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," he said. Bolton, simultaneously underscored that the US remained a party to the underlying Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and it expects all other parties to abide by their international obligations under the convention. The top Trump administration official insisted that the two actions were consistent with the decisions former US President Ronald Reagan made in the 1980s in the wake of the politicised suits against the US by Nicaragua to terminate its acceptance of the Optional Compulsory Jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36-2 of the ICJ statute, and his decision to withdraw from a bilateral treaty with Nicaragua. "It is also consistent with the decision President Bush made in 2005 to withdraw from the Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations following the ICJ's interference in our domestic criminal justice system," he said. Bolton also said the administration was reviewing all international agreements that could expose it to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice saying it was politicised and ineffective. The US in May opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump, amid a bloodbath right on the border with Gaza where Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 52 Palestinians in clashes, in the deadliest escalation of violence since 2014. President Donald Trump announced the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December, when he formally recognised the holy city as the capital of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.

US pulls out of optional protocol on Vienna Convention

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel will defend itself against Iran, after a friendly fire incident in Syria this week linked to Israeli strikes on Iranian targets there.

Syria accidentally downed a Russian plane late Monday, killing all 15 people on board, the same evening Israel launched strikes in the war-torn country.

Israel says it was targeting a Syrian military facility where weapons manufacturing systems were "about to be transferred on behalf of Iran" to Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah.

"We do not want war, but if it is imposed on us, we will act with all our force," Netanyahu said during a ceremony in Jerusalem marking the 45th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war.

He said Iran "openly calls for the destruction of Israel."

"We will continue to defend ourselves in the face of this danger," said Netanyahu.

The incident on Monday was the worst case of friendly fire between Moscow and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime since Russian forces intervened in the conflict in 2015.

It also risked harming relations between Israel and Russia, which established a hotline three years ago to avoid accidental clashes in Syria, but the leaders of both countries have since sought to move past the incident.

Israel sent its air force commander to Moscow on Thursday to share the military's findings on what happened.

Israel has vowed to stop its arch-foe Iran, which backs the Assad regime, from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria.

Earlier this month, it acknowledged having carried out more than 200 strikes in Syria over the past 18 months, mainly against Iranian targets.

The 1973 Arab-Israeli war saw Egypt and Syria carry out a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.

Despite its victory, Israel lost more than 2,500 soldiers in the war that it was not considered prepared for.

"The lessons of this war are rooted in us and we are constantly alert to the dangers that threaten us," Netanyahu said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel will defend itself against Iran, after a friendly fire incident in Syria this week linked to Israeli strikes on Iranian targets there.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel will defend itself against Iran, after a friendly fire incident in Syria this week linked to Israeli strikes on Iranian targets there. Syria accidentally downed a Russian plane late Monday, killing all 15 people on board, the same evening Israel launched strikes in the war-torn country. Israel says it was targeting a Syrian military facility where weapons manufacturing systems were "about to be transferred on behalf of Iran" to Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. "We do not want war, but if it is imposed on us, we will act with all our force," Netanyahu said during a ceremony in Jerusalem marking the 45th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war. He said Iran "openly calls for the destruction of Israel." "We will continue to defend ourselves in the face of this danger," said Netanyahu. The incident on Monday was the worst case of friendly fire between Moscow and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime since Russian forces intervened in the conflict in 2015. It also risked harming relations between Israel and Russia, which established a hotline three years ago to avoid accidental clashes in Syria, but the leaders of both countries have since sought to move past the incident. Israel sent its air force commander to Moscow on Thursday to share the military's findings on what happened. Israel has vowed to stop its arch-foe Iran, which backs the Assad regime, from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria. Earlier this month, it acknowledged having carried out more than 200 strikes in Syria over the past 18 months, mainly against Iranian targets. The 1973 Arab-Israeli war saw Egypt and Syria carry out a surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Despite its victory, Israel lost more than 2,500 soldiers in the war that it was not considered prepared for. "The lessons of this war are rooted in us and we are constantly alert to the dangers that threaten us," Netanyahu said.

Benjamin Netanyahu hits out at Iran after Syria friendly fire incident

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-has-proposed-a-roadmap-for-resolving-korean-peninsula-issue-says-putin-142499">'Russia has proposed a 'roadmap' for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin</a>

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-to-take-place-in-singapores-capella-hotel-on-sentosa-island-142478">Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island</a>

The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT).

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/jerusalem-row-israel-calls-off-argentina-world-cup-friendly-142483">Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly</a>

The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/miss-america-to-scrape-the-swimsuit-round-from-its-pageant-142480">'Miss America' to scrap swimsuit round from its pageant</a>

The Miss America Organization had long defended the segment where women posed in skimpy swimsuits as a measure of the women`s physical fitness.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-ceo-james-sutherland-resigns-142487">Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland resigns</a>

Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

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Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found

'Russia has proposed a 'roadmap' for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin. Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT). Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn. 'Miss America' to scrap swimsuit round from its pageant The Miss America Organization had long defended the segment where women posed in skimpy swimsuits as a measure of the women`s physical fitness. Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland resigns Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

Top-5 stories of the day

The Israel embassy said today the much-awaited Argentina-Israel World Cup friendly due to be played in a west Jerusalem stadium on Saturday has been cancelled.

The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn after Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub wrote to Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, last week accusing Israel of using the match as a "political tool".

Jerusalem's Teddy Kollek Stadium was due to host Messi's all-star line-up just days ahead of the World Cup but Palestinian FA chief in an angry reaction accused the Israeli government of turning football into a "political tool".

Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi would be personally targetted and called on Palestinian football fans to "burn his picture and his shirt and to abandon him."&nbsp;

Although Argentina has played in Israel earlier but circumstances have changed considerably after the US moved its embassy to &nbsp;Jerusalem last month and recognised the holy city as the official capital of Israel leading to widespread protests in West Bank which led to several deaths as Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces.

Later, Guatemala and Honduras also opened their embassy in Jerusalem leading to further discontentment among the Palestinians.

Argentina has been drawn in World Cup Group D and will open their campaign against Iceland in Moscow on June 16. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi will be personally targetted

The Israel embassy said today the much-awaited Argentina-Israel World Cup friendly due to be played in a west Jerusalem stadium on Saturday has been cancelled. The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn after Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub wrote to Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, last week accusing Israel of using the match as a "political tool". Jerusalem's Teddy Kollek Stadium was due to host Messi's all-star line-up just days ahead of the World Cup but Palestinian FA chief in an angry reaction accused the Israeli government of turning football into a "political tool". Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi would be personally targetted and called on Palestinian football fans to "burn his picture and his shirt and to abandon him." Although Argentina has played in Israel earlier but circumstances have changed considerably after the US moved its embassy to Jerusalem last month and recognised the holy city as the official capital of Israel leading to widespread protests in West Bank which led to several deaths as Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces. Later, Guatemala and Honduras also opened their embassy in Jerusalem leading to further discontentment among the Palestinians. Argentina has been drawn in World Cup Group D and will open their campaign against Iceland in Moscow on June 16.

Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly

Israel said on Monday it was sending emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala, where a volcano erupted killing at least 25 people.

Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets.

Israel will coordinate further needs with Guatemalan authorities, he said.

Guatemala was one of the few countries to side with the United States after President Donald Trump's December recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, breaking with decades of US diplomacy and international consensus.

On May 16, Guatemala opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, just two days after the US. Since then Paraguay has also followed suit.

Guatemala's 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometres southwest of the capital, erupted on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.

Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets

Israel said on Monday it was sending emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala, where a volcano erupted killing at least 25 people. Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets. Israel will coordinate further needs with Guatemalan authorities, he said. Guatemala was one of the few countries to side with the United States after President Donald Trump's December recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, breaking with decades of US diplomacy and international consensus. On May 16, Guatemala opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, just two days after the US. Since then Paraguay has also followed suit. Guatemala's 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometres southwest of the capital, erupted on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.

Israel sends emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala after volcano

Turkey called on Muslim countries on Friday to stop other nations from following the United States and moving their embassies in Israel to Jerusalem, as it opened a meeting in Istanbul on Friday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called the summit of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) after Israeli forces this week killed dozens of Palestinian protesters who were demonstrating in Gaza against the opening of the US&nbspEmbassy in Jerusalem.

Turkey has been one of the most vocal critics of the US&nbspmove and the violence in Gaza, declaring three days of mourning. Erdogan has described the actions of the Israeli forces as a "genocide" and Israel as a "terrorist state".

"We will emphasise the status of the Palestine issue for our community, and that we will not allow the status of the historic city to be changed," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an opening address. "We must prevent other countries following the US&nbspexample."

The events in Gaza have also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Israel, with both countries expelling each other's senior diplomats this week.

The plight of Palestinians resonates with many Turks, particularly the nationalist and religious voters who form the base of support for Erdogan, running for re-election next month.

Trade ties

Despite the rhetoric, Israel was the 10th-biggest market for Turkish exports in 2017, buying some $3.4 billion of goods, according to IMF statistics.

"We have excellent economic ties with Turkey. And these relations are very important for both sides," Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon told Israel Radio on Friday when asked if Israel should break ties with Turkey.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision to move the embassy reversed decades of US&nbsppolicy, upsetting the Arab world and Western allies.

Guatemala this week became the second country to move its embassy to the holy city, and Paraguay said it would follow suit this month.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iranian television after arriving in Istanbul that "Israel's recent crimes in Palestine and the relocation of the US&nbspEmbassy to Jerusalem need serious coordination between Islamic countries and the international community".

UN&nbsphuman rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein on Friday said Israel had systematically deprived Palestinians of their human rights, with 1.9 million people in Gaza "caged in a toxic slum from birth to death".

Despite the rhetoric, Israel was the 10th-biggest market for Turkish exports in 2017, buying some $3.4 billion of goods, according to IMF statistics

Turkey called on Muslim countries on Friday to stop other nations from following the United States and moving their embassies in Israel to Jerusalem, as it opened a meeting in Istanbul on Friday. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called the summit of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) after Israeli forces this week killed dozens of Palestinian protesters who were demonstrating in Gaza against the opening of the US&nbspEmbassy in Jerusalem. Turkey has been one of the most vocal critics of the US&nbspmove and the violence in Gaza, declaring three days of mourning. Erdogan has described the actions of the Israeli forces as a "genocide" and Israel as a "terrorist state". "We will emphasise the status of the Palestine issue for our community, and that we will not allow the status of the historic city to be changed," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an opening address. "We must prevent other countries following the US&nbspexample." The events in Gaza have also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Israel, with both countries expelling each other's senior diplomats this week. The plight of Palestinians resonates with many Turks, particularly the nationalist and religious voters who form the base of support for Erdogan, running for re-election next month. Trade ties Despite the rhetoric, Israel was the 10th-biggest market for Turkish exports in 2017, buying some $3.4 billion of goods, according to IMF statistics. "We have excellent economic ties with Turkey. And these relations are very important for both sides," Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon told Israel Radio on Friday when asked if Israel should break ties with Turkey. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump's decision to move the embassy reversed decades of US&nbsppolicy, upsetting the Arab world and Western allies. Guatemala this week became the second country to move its embassy to the holy city, and Paraguay said it would follow suit this month. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Iranian television after arriving in Istanbul that "Israel's recent crimes in Palestine and the relocation of the US&nbspEmbassy to Jerusalem need serious coordination between Islamic countries and the international community". UN&nbsphuman rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein on Friday said Israel had systematically deprived Palestinians of their human rights, with 1.9 million people in Gaza "caged in a toxic slum from birth to death".

Muslims must stop other countries opening Jerusalem embassies: Turkey

The Palestinian Authority has recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem, it said Wednesday.

The statement from the PA's foreign ministry said the EU nations' ambassadors had attended the reception on Sunday, a day before the US opened its Israel embassy in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state.

The ministry "sees this participation as a grave breach of international law and United Nations resolutions which confirm that Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and ban countries from moving their embassies there," the statement said.

"The recalls are to consult with our ambassadors to these states about their positions and their commitment to the EU's positions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday withdrew his top envoy to Washington.

The European Union opposed the US move of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The embassy move was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill some 60 Palestinians.

Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire against demonstrators.

It says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas.

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It sees the entire city as its capital.

The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians

The Palestinian Authority has recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem, it said Wednesday. The statement from the PA's foreign ministry said the EU nations' ambassadors had attended the reception on Sunday, a day before the US opened its Israel embassy in Jerusalem. The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state. The ministry "sees this participation as a grave breach of international law and United Nations resolutions which confirm that Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and ban countries from moving their embassies there," the statement said. "The recalls are to consult with our ambassadors to these states about their positions and their commitment to the EU's positions." Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday withdrew his top envoy to Washington. The European Union opposed the US move of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill some 60 Palestinians. Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire against demonstrators. It says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas. Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It sees the entire city as its capital.

Palestinians recall envoys from 4 EU nations after US embassy move

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled.

In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded.

A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries.

Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes.

The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands.

Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence.

Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition."

Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip.

He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group.

Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers. The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled. In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded. A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries. Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence. Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition." Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip. He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group. Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel targets Hamas position after Gaza gunfire

Guatemala opened an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, two days after the United States made the same move.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the embassy's opening, in an office complex in west Jerusalem.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the embassy's opening

Guatemala opened an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, two days after the United States made the same move. Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the embassy's opening, in an office complex in west Jerusalem.

After United States, Guatemala opens embassy in Jerusalem

US today officially opened&nbsp;its&nbsp;embassy in Jerusalem even as Palestinians continued to protest in Gaza.

The ceremony attended by President Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner takes places amid large-scale violence in Gaza were two Palestinians have reportedly been killed.

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Watch LIVE the dedication of <a href="https://twitter.com/usembassyjlm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usembassyjlm</a>: <a href="https://t.co/KVhxC50Ywe">https://t.co/KVhxC50Ywe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USEmbassyJerusalem?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USEmbassyJerusalem</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/996012453195649024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US government has made large-scale security arrangements with over 1,000 security men posted around the complex.

US ambassador to Israel David Friedman was given a standing ovation when he mentioned President Trump's name.

Friedman referred to the embassy's location as "Jerusalem, Israel" as the crowd cheered.

The US move comes after President Trump on December 6th had recognised&nbsp;Jerusalem as Israel's capital and decided to move the embassy to the holy city.&nbsp;

In Gaza, at least thirty-seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as the US opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

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This is a great day for Israel. It’s a great day for America. It’s a great day for our fantastic partnership. But I believe it’s also a great day for peace. I want to thank Jared, Jason and David for your tireless efforts to advance peace and to advance the truth. <a href="https://t.co/Yg021Eth48">pic.twitter.com/Yg021Eth48</a>
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/996085036154871809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Thank you. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> Trump, for having the courage to keep your promises. 
 
Thank you, President Trump, and thank you all, for making the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever! <a href="https://t.co/HmFBBdlkva">pic.twitter.com/HmFBBdlkva</a>
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/996084024878739456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eluX7TozmFw" width="560"></iframe>

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan addressed the gathering as officials cheered

US today officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem even as Palestinians continued to protest in Gaza. The ceremony attended by President Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner takes places amid large-scale violence in Gaza were two Palestinians have reportedly been killed. Watch LIVE the dedication of @usembassyjlm: https://t.co/KVhxC50Ywe #USEmbassyJerusalem — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 14, 2018 × The US government has made large-scale security arrangements with over 1,000 security men posted around the complex. US ambassador to Israel David Friedman was given a standing ovation when he mentioned President Trump's name. Friedman referred to the embassy's location as "Jerusalem, Israel" as the crowd cheered. The US move comes after President Trump on December 6th had recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and decided to move the embassy to the holy city. In Gaza, at least thirty-seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as the US opened its embassy in Jerusalem. This is a great day for Israel. It’s a great day for America. It’s a great day for our fantastic partnership. But I believe it’s also a great day for peace. I want to thank Jared, Jason and David for your tireless efforts to advance peace and to advance the truth. pic.twitter.com/Yg021Eth48 — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 14, 2018 × Thank you. Thank you, @POTUS Trump, for having the courage to keep your promises. Thank you, President Trump, and thank you all, for making the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever! pic.twitter.com/HmFBBdlkva — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 14, 2018 ×

US opens embassy in Jerusalem amid violence in Gaza

Violent clashes erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, leaving 52 Palestinians dead from Israeli fire and hundreds wounded in the conflict's bloodiest day in years.

The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war.

The dead included a 14-year-old, according to the Gazan health ministry, which also provided the overall death toll.

Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side.

Crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade.

Israel's military said "over 35,000 Palestinians are currently taking part in violent riots in 12 locations along the Gaza Strip security fence."

"The rioters are hurling firebombs and explosive devices towards the security fence and (Israeli) forces, and are burning tyres, throwing rocks and launching flaming objects in order to ignite fires in Israeli territory and harm (Israeli) troops."

It said soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means and fire."

The Palestinian Authority government based in the occupied West Bank accused Israel of committing a "terrible massacre."

The inauguration that follows US President Donald Trump's deeply controversial December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital also comes at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In a tweet on Monday, Trump hailed the embassy opening as "a great day for Israel".

It follows Trump's announcement last week that the United States is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli strikes two days later on dozens of Iranian targets in Syria.

Those strikes came after rocket fire toward Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Iran.

Monday's inauguration ceremony at 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) will include around 800 guests -- though not Trump himself -- at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the Washington delegation that includes Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides, as well as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Capital for all time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump's decision "historic", welcomed them at a reception on Sunday.

"Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years," he said.

"It's been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time."

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, called it a "hostile act against international law".

Police and the Israeli military deployed massively.

Around 1,000 police officers were being positioned around the embassy for the inauguration.

Israel's army said it was almost doubling the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.

It also dropped leaflets warning Gazans to stay away from the fence, including one with a photo of the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris and the caption: "Gaza 2025? The choice is in your hands."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans "we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed."

Israelis began celebrating on Sunday, as tens of thousands of marched in Jerusalem, some holding American flags, to mark Jerusalem Day.

The annual event is an Israeli celebration of the "reunification" of the city following the 1967 Six-Day War.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move is also key.

May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

The following day, Palestinians mark the "Nakba", or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

Palestinian protests are planned on both days.

Off the table

There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 91 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30.

No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire.

Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage.

He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem "off the table", but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel.

Trump's initial decision led to a series of protests in various Middle Eastern and Muslim countries.

The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war

Violent clashes erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, leaving 52 Palestinians dead from Israeli fire and hundreds wounded in the conflict's bloodiest day in years. The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war. The dead included a 14-year-old, according to the Gazan health ministry, which also provided the overall death toll. Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side. Crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade. Israel's military said "over 35,000 Palestinians are currently taking part in violent riots in 12 locations along the Gaza Strip security fence." "The rioters are hurling firebombs and explosive devices towards the security fence and (Israeli) forces, and are burning tyres, throwing rocks and launching flaming objects in order to ignite fires in Israeli territory and harm (Israeli) troops." It said soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means and fire." The Palestinian Authority government based in the occupied West Bank accused Israel of committing a "terrible massacre." The inauguration that follows US President Donald Trump's deeply controversial December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital also comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. In a tweet on Monday, Trump hailed the embassy opening as "a great day for Israel". It follows Trump's announcement last week that the United States is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli strikes two days later on dozens of Iranian targets in Syria. Those strikes came after rocket fire toward Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Iran. Monday's inauguration ceremony at 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) will include around 800 guests -- though not Trump himself -- at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the Washington delegation that includes Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides, as well as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Capital for all time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump's decision "historic", welcomed them at a reception on Sunday. "Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years," he said. "It's been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time." Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, called it a "hostile act against international law". Police and the Israeli military deployed massively. Around 1,000 police officers were being positioned around the embassy for the inauguration. Israel's army said it was almost doubling the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank. It also dropped leaflets warning Gazans to stay away from the fence, including one with a photo of the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris and the caption: "Gaza 2025? The choice is in your hands." Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans "we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed." Israelis began celebrating on Sunday, as tens of thousands of marched in Jerusalem, some holding American flags, to mark Jerusalem Day. The annual event is an Israeli celebration of the "reunification" of the city following the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move is also key. May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The following day, Palestinians mark the "Nakba", or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Palestinian protests are planned on both days. Off the table There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 91 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30. No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire. Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence. Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage. He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem "off the table", but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel. Trump's initial decision led to a series of protests in various Middle Eastern and Muslim countries.

Gaza unrest: 52 Palestinians dead in deadliest day in years

US envoy to the Middle East and Trump's senior advisor on the region, Jared Kushner, in his speech at the embassy inauguration ceremony today, noted that the move shows that the entire world can trust the United States.

"Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together," noted Kushner.

"When President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it," Kushner said at the embassy's opening ceremony.&nbsp;

"Today also demonstrates American leadership. By moving our embassy to Jerusalem, we have shown the world once again that the United States can be trusted," he said.

"We stand with our friends and our allies, and above all else, we've shown that the United States of America will do what's right," Kushner noted.

US President Donald Trump, in a recorded message, reiterated United States' commitment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

"Our greatest hope is for peace," said Trump. "The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement," he noted.

"The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace," Trump stated.

Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday.

As many as 43 Palestinians have been killed so far by Israeli forces as angry protesters demonstrated at the frontier.

United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem a short while ago in a festive ceremony which was attended by Ivanka Trump, advisor to US President Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday

US envoy to the Middle East and Trump's senior advisor on the region, Jared Kushner, in his speech at the embassy inauguration ceremony today, noted that the move shows that the entire world can trust the United States. "Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together," noted Kushner. "When President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it," Kushner said at the embassy's opening ceremony. "Today also demonstrates American leadership. By moving our embassy to Jerusalem, we have shown the world once again that the United States can be trusted," he said. "We stand with our friends and our allies, and above all else, we've shown that the United States of America will do what's right," Kushner noted. US President Donald Trump, in a recorded message, reiterated United States' commitment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. "Our greatest hope is for peace," said Trump. "The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement," he noted. "The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace," Trump stated. Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday. As many as 43 Palestinians have been killed so far by Israeli forces as angry protesters demonstrated at the frontier. United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem a short while ago in a festive ceremony which was attended by Ivanka Trump, advisor to US President Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. (With inputs from Reuters)

We've shown that US will do what's right: Jared Kushner in Jerusalem 

As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week.

Two men aged 21 and 29-years-old were killed raising the death toll to 47 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces since the protests began in March.

News agency Reuters reported citing health officials reports that, 28 Palestinians have also been wounded in a gunfire by Israeli soldiers today.&nbsp;

Along with demonstrations at Gaza border, protests are expected to further escalate in the day as the United States is set to open its new embassy in Jerusalem. A move announced by US president Donald Trump in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The protests at Gaza border began on March 30 as Palestinians marched towards Gaza border for what they called "The Great March of Return". These protests are continuing for the sixth week now.

Gathered in thousands of number, demonstrators are demanding access to their families' lost homes or lands which are now in Israel. Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants.

Palestinians have accused Israeli forces of using tear gas and guns as they targeted protestors. However, Israel says its troops have used live ammunition to prevent a border fence from being damaged or breached.

The death toll has gained attention from worldwide media. Israeli forces were also criticised for using live ammunition at protestors. However,&nbsp;&nbsp;Israeli authorities accused Gaza's ruling Hamas movement of instigating violence.

According to media reports over 1000 Palestinians have been injured in the unrest so far. 
&nbsp;

Two men aged 21 and 29-years-old were killed raising the death toll to 47 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces since the protests began in March

As the United States embassy is all set to shift from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, two Palestinian were killed by Israeli forces during the Gaza protests continuing for the sixth week. Two men aged 21 and 29-years-old were killed raising the death toll to 47 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces since the protests began in March. News agency Reuters reported citing health officials reports that, 28 Palestinians have also been wounded in a gunfire by Israeli soldiers today. Along with demonstrations at Gaza border, protests are expected to further escalate in the day as the United States is set to open its new embassy in Jerusalem. A move announced by US president Donald Trump in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The protests at Gaza border began on March 30 as Palestinians marched towards Gaza border for what they called "The Great March of Return". These protests are continuing for the sixth week now. Gathered in thousands of number, demonstrators are demanding access to their families' lost homes or lands which are now in Israel. Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. Palestinians have accused Israeli forces of using tear gas and guns as they targeted protestors. However, Israel says its troops have used live ammunition to prevent a border fence from being damaged or breached. The death toll has gained attention from worldwide media. Israeli forces were also criticised for using live ammunition at protestors. However, Israeli authorities accused Gaza's ruling Hamas movement of instigating violence. According to media reports over 1000 Palestinians have been injured in the unrest so far.

Gaza unrest: 2 Palestinians killed, 28 injured by Israeli forces

Amid the shift of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the Kremlin has said that it feared that opening could fuel tensions in the Middle East.

The move of shifting US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is being followed after the United States president Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The announcement was well received by Israel but was criticised by international media.&nbsp

News agency Reuters reported Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov saying that "Yes, we have such fears," when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region.

Meanwhile, President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said that 'Yes, we have such fears,' when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region

Amid the shift of the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the Kremlin has said that it feared that opening could fuel tensions in the Middle East. The move of shifting US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is being followed after the United States president Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The announcement was well received by Israel but was criticised by international media. News agency Reuters reported Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov saying that "Yes, we have such fears," when he was asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region. Meanwhile, President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security. Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

US Jerusalem embassy opening could fuel Middle East tensions: Kremlin

The United States will open <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/square-near-new-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-to-be-named-after-president-trump-135514">its embassy in Jerusalem</a> today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza.

The US move comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/road-signs-of-us-embassy-put-up-in-the-streets-of-jerusalem-135262">President Trump on December 6th</a> had recognised &nbspJerusalem as the capital of Israel and had directed its embassy to be moved to the holy city from Tel Aviv.

Just hours ahead of the opening, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as they opened fire on protesters.

State news agency MENA reported that the Arab League will hold a meeting to discuss the United States' "illegal" move of embassy to Jerusalem.

&nbspGazan health ministry said a youth, Anas Qudeih, 21, was shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza as clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza. The US move comes after President Trump on December 6th had recognised &nbspJerusalem as the capital of Israel and had directed its embassy to be moved to the holy city from Tel Aviv. Just hours ahead of the opening, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as they opened fire on protesters. State news agency MENA reported that the Arab League will hold a meeting to discuss the United States' "illegal" move of embassy to Jerusalem. &nbspGazan health ministry said a youth, Anas Qudeih, 21, was shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza as clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces. President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security. Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

US set to open embassy in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

The opening ceremony is at an existing US&nbsp;consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found.

But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since.

The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US&nbsp;policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem."

But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US&nbsp;can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table."

There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US&nbsp;embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign.

Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation.

It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city.

Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers.

Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering."

Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy".

But the city's significance goes further.

At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews.

Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected.

In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations.

That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally.

In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places.

Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month.

Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US&nbsp;lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution calling on the US&nbsp;to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest.

That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US&nbsp;Embassy move.

Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion.

In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world.

In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada.

Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen.

Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US&nbsp;efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that 'the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem'

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. The opening ceremony is at an existing US consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found. But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since. The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem." But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel. Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table." There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign. Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation. It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city. Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers. Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering." Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours. Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy". But the city's significance goes further. At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews. Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations. That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places. Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month. Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv. Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution calling on the US to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest. That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US Embassy move. Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion. In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world. In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen. Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Why is US moving its embassy to Jerusalem?

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open.&nbsp

According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border.

No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed.

The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza.

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.&nbsp

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open. According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border. No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed. The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza. Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Only Gaza-Israel goods crossing gets closed after violent protests

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-roadsigns-begin-appearing-in-jerusalem-135145">Jerusalem</a> for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14.

Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner.

Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.&nbsp;

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to Jerusalem for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14. Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner. Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

No Trump in US embassy inauguration in Jerusalem, Ivanka to attend

After Guatemala decided to open its<a href="Watch: US embassy road signs begin appearing in Jerusalem"> embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay </a>said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region.

President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem.

Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMzCp28AFIs" width="560"></iframe>

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

After Guatemala decided to open its embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region. President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem. Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

After US & Guatemala, Paraguay to open embassy in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has announced his plans to name the square near the US embassy site as the " United States Square in honour of President Donald Trump".

A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were naming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people.&nbsp;

He added that the gesture was for the American people who "always stood by there side".

The naming will be celebrated in an official event in future with American dignitaries.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.

The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were nnaming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has announced his plans to name the square near the US embassy site as the " United States Square in honour of President Donald Trump". A media report quoted the mayor saying that they were naming the square in the honour of Trump to show their love and respect for the president and the American people. He added that the gesture was for the American people who "always stood by there side". The naming will be celebrated in an official event in future with American dignitaries. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

Square near new US embassy in Jerusalem to be named after Trump

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement.

A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital.

The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014.

Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Horacio Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital. The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

Paraguay to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

US embassy road signs have started showing up in Jerusalem, in at least three places, newswire Reuters reported.

President Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December last year and had decided to move the embassy to the holy city.

The US embassy will provisionally open on May 14th while a new site is being built at&nbsp;a&nbsp;new facility.&nbsp;Several reports citing sources in the White House have said the US president may inaugurate the embassy, although it hasn't been confirmed yet.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend.

However, several countries in the United Nations haven't backed the move, even then, Isreal PM Netanyahu has said more countries would be opening embassies in Jerusalem.

Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

US embassy road signs have started showing up in Jerusalem, in at least three places, newswire Reuters reported. President Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December last year and had decided to move the embassy to the holy city. The US embassy will provisionally open on May 14th while a new site is being built at a new facility. Several reports citing sources in the White House have said the US president may inaugurate the embassy, although it hasn't been confirmed yet. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. However, several countries in the United Nations haven't backed the move, even then, Isreal PM Netanyahu has said more countries would be opening embassies in Jerusalem. Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

Watch: US embassy road signs begin appearing in Jerusalem

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-of-worlds-20-most-polluted-cities-in-india-who-134112">14 of world's 20 most polluted cities in India: WHO</a>

Of the 20 most polluted cities in the world suffering from air pollution by very fine particles in 2016, 14 are in India, data released by the WHO on Tuesday showed. The Indian cities that registered very high levels of PM2.5 pollutants include Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem in Kuwait and a few cities in China and Mongolia.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-soon-to-offer-dating-services-to-users-134111">Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services</a>

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing&nbspFacebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers&nbsp"There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110">Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem Guatemala first country to move to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110">holy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110"> city</a>

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in&nbsp<a 560="" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/%3Ciframe%20width=">West Asia, President Donald Trump&nbsp</a>said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-location-date-of-north-korea-summit-may-be-announced-soon-134115">Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon. While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-labour-day-india-china-troops-meet-at-the-border-exchange-sweets-134113">On Labour Day, India, China troops meet at the border, exchange sweets</a>

On International&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-agree-to-issue-strategic-guidance-to-their-militaries-to-build-trust--133407">Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops</a>&nbspheld a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations.&nbsp

14 of world's 20 most polluted cities in India: WHO Of the 20 most polluted cities in the world suffering from air pollution by very fine particles in 2016, 14 are in India, data released by the WHO on Tuesday showed. The Indian cities that registered very high levels of PM2.5 pollutants include Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem in Kuwait and a few cities in China and Mongolia. Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing&nbspFacebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers "There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here". Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem Guatemala first country to move to holy city In a move which is likely to upset several countries in West Asia, President Donald Trump said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem. Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon. While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks. On Labour Day, India, China troops meet at the border, exchange sweets On International Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops&nbspheld a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in <a 560="" href="<iframe width=">West Asia, President Donald Trump </a>said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

Meanwhile, America's ally in Asia, PM Shinzo Abe currently on a visit to Isreal met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and informed him that Japan has no intention of moving its embassy to Jerusalem, Isreali media report said.

Abe visited a Japan-backed Agro-industrial park in West Bank's Jericho after which he met Isreali PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. The industrial zone is called Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative meant to promote economic cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and Jordan.

Palestinian official news agency Wafa said that PM Abe had told &nbsp;Abbas that Japan "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem."&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guatemala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guatemala</a>'s flag flies high in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jerusalem?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jerusalem</a>, near the site of the new Guatemalan Embassy, which is being opened in its new location in Israel's capital. 
 
Bienvenidos a Jerusalén!???? <a href="https://t.co/ltH6ruYWRx">pic.twitter.com/ltH6ruYWRx</a>
— Israel Foreign Min. (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/991402720467804166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, Guatemala moved its embassy to Jerusalem at the Malkha Technology Park. The official ceremony is likely to take place&nbsp;on May 16th, media reports said. Israeli PM Netanyahu lauded the move welcoming Guatemalan officials to Jerusalem.

"I was moved to see the flag of Guatemala waving in Jerusalem in advance of the opening of the Guatemalan embassy later this month. Dear friends, welcome back to our eternal capital," Netanyahu said.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend.

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in West Asia, President Donald Trump said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere. Meanwhile, America's ally in Asia, PM Shinzo Abe currently on a visit to Isreal met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and informed him that Japan has no intention of moving its embassy to Jerusalem, Isreali media report said. Abe visited a Japan-backed Agro-industrial park in West Bank's Jericho after which he met Isreali PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. The industrial zone is called Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative meant to promote economic cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and Jordan. Palestinian official news agency Wafa said that PM Abe had told Abbas that Japan "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem." #Guatemala's flag flies high in #Jerusalem, near the site of the new Guatemalan Embassy, which is being opened in its new location in Israel's capital. Bienvenidos a Jerusalén!???? pic.twitter.com/ltH6ruYWRx — Israel Foreign Min. (@IsraelMFA) May 1, 2018 × On Monday, Guatemala moved its embassy to Jerusalem at the Malkha Technology Park. The official ceremony is likely to take place on May 16th, media reports said. Israeli PM Netanyahu lauded the move welcoming Guatemalan officials to Jerusalem. "I was moved to see the flag of Guatemala waving in Jerusalem in advance of the opening of the Guatemalan embassy later this month. Dear friends, welcome back to our eternal capital," Netanyahu said.

Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem; Guatemala first country to move to holy city

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on a hastily-arranged visit to the Middle East as the United States aims to muster support for new sanctions against Iran.

The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers.

"We are urging nations around the world to sanction any individuals and entities associated with Iran's missile program, and it has also been a big part of discussions with Europeans," Brian Hook, a senior policy advisor travelling with Pompeo, told reporters.

Hook said a salvo of ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi movement that killed a man earlier on Saturday had been provided by Tehran.

"Iran's missiles prolong war and suffering in the Middle East, they threaten our security and economic interests and they especially threaten Saudi Arabia and Israel," he said.

The 2015 deal that limits Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief does not cover its missile programme.

Trump has called it the "worst deal ever" and threatened to re-impose sanctions unless Britain, France and Germany agree to fix it. Resuming sanctions would likely kill the deal.

Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday, Pompeo said Trump had not taken a decision on whether to abandon the deal but was not likely to stick to it without substantial changes.

"There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference.

Earlier this week French President Emmanuel Macron called on Trump not to abandon the deal, although he later acknowledged he thought he would pull out.

The Trump administration is also currently reviewing the U.S. role in fighting Islamic State in Syria’s seven-year conflict. Trump has called on Gulf countries to provide funding and troops to stabilize areas once controlled by the group in Syria.

Pompeo was one of the first Trump administration officials to visit Saudi Arabia early in his tenure as CIA director.

In Riyadh, Pompeo was greeted on the tarmac by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. He is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman during the visit.

The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on a hastily-arranged visit to the Middle East as the United States aims to muster support for new sanctions against Iran. The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers. "We are urging nations around the world to sanction any individuals and entities associated with Iran's missile program, and it has also been a big part of discussions with Europeans," Brian Hook, a senior policy advisor travelling with Pompeo, told reporters. Hook said a salvo of ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi movement that killed a man earlier on Saturday had been provided by Tehran. "Iran's missiles prolong war and suffering in the Middle East, they threaten our security and economic interests and they especially threaten Saudi Arabia and Israel," he said. The 2015 deal that limits Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief does not cover its missile programme. Trump has called it the "worst deal ever" and threatened to re-impose sanctions unless Britain, France and Germany agree to fix it. Resuming sanctions would likely kill the deal. Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday, Pompeo said Trump had not taken a decision on whether to abandon the deal but was not likely to stick to it without substantial changes. "There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference. Earlier this week French President Emmanuel Macron called on Trump not to abandon the deal, although he later acknowledged he thought he would pull out. The Trump administration is also currently reviewing the U.S. role in fighting Islamic State in Syria’s seven-year conflict. Trump has called on Gulf countries to provide funding and troops to stabilize areas once controlled by the group in Syria. Pompeo was one of the first Trump administration officials to visit Saudi Arabia early in his tenure as CIA director. In Riyadh, Pompeo was greeted on the tarmac by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. He is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman during the visit.

Mike Pompeo starts Mideast tour with call for new Iran sanctions

Romania's president called on the prime minister to resign on Friday (April 27) after she endorsed a secret deal to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, overstepping her powers on foreign policy.

The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament.

Any decision on embassy relocation rests with the president, who said he was not consulted about that or the state visit Dancila paid to Israel this week along with the leader of her Social Democrat party, Liviu Dragnea.

Dancila has said the memorandum she approved was confidential and could not be made public yet.

Iohannis - who has the final say in foreign policy matters - said moving the embassy to Jerusalem, which is not widely recognised as Israel's capital due to competing sovereignty claims by the Palestinians, has said the move could break international law.

Dancila has yet to comment on his call for her to resign.

Romania would be the first EU country and one of very few countries in the world to relocate its embassy following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December.

The Romanian foreign ministry had said the memorandum was only the start of a wide consultation process and that it sought to identify the best way for Romania to position itself.

It added Romania's position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation "has traditionally been a balanced one, including ... bilaterally recognising the Palestinian state."

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The U.S. Embassy is due to relocate on May 14.

The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament

Romania's president called on the prime minister to resign on Friday (April 27) after she endorsed a secret deal to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, overstepping her powers on foreign policy. The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament. Any decision on embassy relocation rests with the president, who said he was not consulted about that or the state visit Dancila paid to Israel this week along with the leader of her Social Democrat party, Liviu Dragnea. Dancila has said the memorandum she approved was confidential and could not be made public yet. Iohannis - who has the final say in foreign policy matters - said moving the embassy to Jerusalem, which is not widely recognised as Israel's capital due to competing sovereignty claims by the Palestinians, has said the move could break international law. Dancila has yet to comment on his call for her to resign. Romania would be the first EU country and one of very few countries in the world to relocate its embassy following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December. The Romanian foreign ministry had said the memorandum was only the start of a wide consultation process and that it sought to identify the best way for Romania to position itself. It added Romania's position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation "has traditionally been a balanced one, including ... bilaterally recognising the Palestinian state." Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The U.S. Embassy is due to relocate on May 14.

Romania's president calls on PM to quit over Israel embassy move

The leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrats said the government had approved a memorandum to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, one of the first countries to do so following the United States.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in December recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, infuriating Washington’s Arab allies and dismaying Palestinians who want the eastern part of the city as their capital.

Under Romanian legislation, a final embassy relocation decision belongs to centrist President Klaus Iohannis, who said he had not been consulted. The Romanian government and foreign ministry did not immediately confirm the information.

"Yesterday, the government adopted a memorandum deciding to start the procedure to effectively move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Social Democrat leader and lower house speaker Liviu Dragnea told private television station Antena3 late on Thursday.

Dragnea keeps a tight grip on his party and is seen as effectively in charge of the cabinet.

Romanian President Iohannis said in a statement on Friday that he had not been informed or consulted about the decision and urged all government and political actors to show "responsibility and discernment regarding major foreign policy decisions that have strategic effects including on national security."

"Such a decision must be taken only after consulting and securing the approval of all foreign policy and national security institutions, with a final decision belonging to the President, according to the constitution."

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The US&nbspEmbassy is due to relocate on May 14.

"Our gesture has a huge symbolic value ... for Israel, a state with an unbelievably large influence in the world and with which we have had a special relationship for many years," Social Democrat leader Dragnea said.

"Moving the embassy to Jerusalem can and I believe will bring short, medium and long-term benefits for Romania and we must use this huge chance and opportunity."

The leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrats said the government had approved a memorandum to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, one of the first countries to do so following the United States

The leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrats said the government had approved a memorandum to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, one of the first countries to do so following the United States. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump in December recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, infuriating Washington’s Arab allies and dismaying Palestinians who want the eastern part of the city as their capital. Under Romanian legislation, a final embassy relocation decision belongs to centrist President Klaus Iohannis, who said he had not been consulted. The Romanian government and foreign ministry did not immediately confirm the information. "Yesterday, the government adopted a memorandum deciding to start the procedure to effectively move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Social Democrat leader and lower house speaker Liviu Dragnea told private television station Antena3 late on Thursday. Dragnea keeps a tight grip on his party and is seen as effectively in charge of the cabinet. Romanian President Iohannis said in a statement on Friday that he had not been informed or consulted about the decision and urged all government and political actors to show "responsibility and discernment regarding major foreign policy decisions that have strategic effects including on national security." "Such a decision must be taken only after consulting and securing the approval of all foreign policy and national security institutions, with a final decision belonging to the President, according to the constitution." On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The US&nbspEmbassy is due to relocate on May 14. "Our gesture has a huge symbolic value ... for Israel, a state with an unbelievably large influence in the world and with which we have had a special relationship for many years," Social Democrat leader Dragnea said. "Moving the embassy to Jerusalem can and I believe will bring short, medium and long-term benefits for Romania and we must use this huge chance and opportunity."

Romanian ruling party chief says plans to move Israel embassy to Jerusalem

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