China said today US President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would lead to &quot;possible escalation of tensions&quot;.

Britain which is the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-mideast-leaders-he-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-breaking-with-us-policy-25980">principal ally of the United States </a>expressed &quot;concern&quot; and said Jerusalem should be part of the &quot;final settlement between the Israelis&nbsp; 
and the Palestinians&quot;&nbsp;

Trump is set to announce his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital later tonight, however, a White House official made a prior announcement saying 
&quot;He(Trump) will say that the United States government recognizes that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.&quot;

&quot;President Trump views this as a recognition of reality, both historical reality, and modern reality,&quot; the official said.

Trump will sign a national security waiver that authorizes him to delay the embassy relocation for now, since the US diplomats do not yet have a building in&nbsp; 
Jerusalem to move into, security arrangements or housing for diplomats, the officials said.

&quot;We are concerned about the possible escalation of tensions,&quot; China&#39;s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding,&quot;All relevant parties should bear regional&nbsp;peace and tranquility in mind, be cautious in words and deeds, avoid impacting the foundation for the settlement of the issue of Palestine, and avoid causing new&nbsp;confrontation in the region.&quot;&nbsp;

Turkey&#39;s deputy prime minister Bekir Bozdag&nbsp;said, &quot;The recognition will throw the region and the world into a fire and it&#39;s not known when it will end,&quot; adding,&quot;Jerusalem is the red line for Muslims.&quot;

Leaders across the world from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the European Union, France, Germany, and Turkey warned Trump against the move in a series of phone calls in the past&nbsp;48 hours.

The White House said Trump had also spoken with Israeli PM Netanyahu, a longtime proponent of a US embassy move to Jerusalem.

Israel had captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 war and later annexed it, an action not recognized internationally.

Britain which is the principal ally of the United States said Jerusalem should be part of the "final settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians"

China said today US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would lead to "possible escalation of tensions". Britain which is the principal ally of the United States expressed "concern" and said Jerusalem should be part of the "final settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians" Trump is set to announce his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital later tonight, however, a White House official made a prior announcement saying "He(Trump) will say that the United States government recognizes that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel." "President Trump views this as a recognition of reality, both historical reality, and modern reality," the official said. Trump will sign a national security waiver that authorizes him to delay the embassy relocation for now, since the US diplomats do not yet have a building in Jerusalem to move into, security arrangements or housing for diplomats, the officials said. "We are concerned about the possible escalation of tensions," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding,"All relevant parties should bear regional peace and tranquility in mind, be cautious in words and deeds, avoid impacting the foundation for the settlement of the issue of Palestine, and avoid causing new confrontation in the region." Turkey's deputy prime minister Bekir Bozdag said, "The recognition will throw the region and the world into a fire and it's not known when it will end," adding,"Jerusalem is the red line for Muslims." Leaders across the world from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the European Union, France, Germany, and Turkey warned Trump against the move in a series of phone calls in the past 48 hours. The White House said Trump had also spoken with Israeli PM Netanyahu, a longtime proponent of a US embassy move to Jerusalem. Israel had captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 war and later annexed it, an action not recognized internationally.

Jerusalem status: 'Concerned about possible escalation of tension,' says China

US President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-committed-to-middle-east-peace-process-tillerson-26062">Trump said the move to name Jerusalem</a> as Israel&#39;s capital was &quot;long overdue&quot;.

&quot;I think it&rsquo;s long overdue. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-will-lead-to-escalation-of-tension-china-26028">Many presidents have said they want </a>to do something and they didn&rsquo;t do it,&quot; Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House.

&nbsp;&quot;Whether it&#39;s courage or they changed their mind, I can&#39;t tell you,&quot; the president added.

Trump had earlier called allies in the Middle East to tell them his decision on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the US administration&#39;s intent to move its embassy there.

A Palestinian envoy told Reuters that the decision was a &quot;declaration of war&quot; in the Middle East. Pope Francis called for Jerusalem&#39;s &quot;status quo&quot; to be respected, saying new tension would further inflame world conflicts.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had told Parliament earlier that she would be speaking to the US president on his decision on Jerusalem.

Trump said many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn?t do it

US President Donald Trump said the move to name Jerusalem as Israel's capital was "long overdue". "I think it’s long overdue. Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn’t do it," Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House. "Whether it's courage or they changed their mind, I can't tell you," the president added. Trump had earlier called allies in the Middle East to tell them his decision on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the US administration's intent to move its embassy there. A Palestinian envoy told Reuters that the decision was a "declaration of war" in the Middle East. Pope Francis called for Jerusalem's "status quo" to be respected, saying new tension would further inflame world conflicts. British Prime Minister Theresa May had told Parliament earlier that she would be speaking to the US president on his decision on Jerusalem.

Decision on Jerusalem long overdue: Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-25983" target="_blank">Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital</a>

A senior administration official said Trump would make the landmark announcement -- which flies in the face of warnings from America&#39;s allies across the region and the world -- at 1 pm (1800 GMT) from the White House.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/plot-to-kill-british-pm-may-foiled-report-25987" target="_blank">Plot to kill British PM May foiled: Report</a>

Reuters reported the men were identified as Naa&rsquo;imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, of north London, and Mohammed Aqib Imran, 21, of south-east Birmingham.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/the-international-olympic-committee-bans-russia-from-pyeongchang-winter-olympics-25984" target="_blank">Russia banned from 2018 Winter Olympics</a>

The IOC Russia ban was announced after the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) and two subsequent IOC investigations confirmed Russian athletes to have participated in a drug-cheating programme which peaked during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/three-men-charged-with-maltese-journalists-murder-25986" target="_blank">Three charged with murder of Malta journalist killed in car bombing</a>

Caruana Galizia, 53, was one of Malta&#39;s most prominent public figures, thanks to a widely read blog she used to expose crime and corruption.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/special-counsel-robert-mueller-asks-for-trumps-deutsche-bank-records-25989" target="_blank">Special Counsel Robert Mueller subpoenas Trump&#39;s Deutsche Bank records</a>

German business paper Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday that Mueller had subpoenaed Deutsche Bank to hand over financial information about Trump and members of his family.

Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital A senior administration official said Trump would make the landmark announcement -- which flies in the face of warnings from America's allies across the region and the world -- at 1 pm (1800 GMT) from the White House. Plot to kill British PM May foiled: Report Reuters reported the men were identified as Naa’imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, of north London, and Mohammed Aqib Imran, 21, of south-east Birmingham. Russia banned from 2018 Winter Olympics The IOC Russia ban was announced after the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) and two subsequent IOC investigations confirmed Russian athletes to have participated in a drug-cheating programme which peaked during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Three charged with murder of Malta journalist killed in car bombing Caruana Galizia, 53, was one of Malta's most prominent public figures, thanks to a widely read blog she used to expose crime and corruption. Special Counsel Robert Mueller subpoenas Trump's Deutsche Bank records German business paper Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday that Mueller had subpoenaed Deutsche Bank to hand over financial information about Trump and members of his family.

WION morning news brief, December 6, 2017

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson speaking <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-25983">at the NATO foreign ministers meeting</a> in Brussels said there is a &quot;very good opportunity for peace to be achieved&quot;&nbsp;in the Middle East with President Trump set&nbsp;to announce his decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

&quot;The president is very committed to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-will-lead-to-escalation-of-tension-china-26028"> Middle East peace process,&quot; adding</a>,&quot;We continue to believe there is a very good opportunity for peace to be achieved and the president has a team that is devoted to that entirely.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
Tillerson said Trump&#39;s son-in-law Jared Kushner was&nbsp;&quot;engaged in a quiet way&quot; in the Middle East to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, PM Theresa May told British Parliament today said she will be calling Trump as he gets ready to announce his decision to announce Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

&quot;Our position has not changed. The status of Jerusalem should be determined as a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and Jerusalem should be a shared capital,&quot; May said.

Trump&#39;s imminent announcement triggered a wave of protest in the Middle East with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani calling it &quot;wrong, illegitimate, provocative and very dangerous&quot;.

Iran has been supporting the Palestinian cause since the 70s when the Islamic revolution took place in that country.

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It is out of despair &amp; debility that they want to declare <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlQuds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlQuds</a> as capital of the Zionist regime. On issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Palestine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Palestine</a> their hands are tied &amp; they can&#39;t achieve their goals. Victory belongs to Islamic Ummah. Palestine will be free, Palestinian nation will achieve victory.
&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/938327375875624960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Iran&#39;s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said:&quot; The Islamic world will undoubtedly stand against this plot and the Zionists will receive a big blow from this action and dear Palestine will be liberated.&quot;

&nbsp;Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it would be a &quot;grave mistake&quot; if the United States moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Trump is due to announce his&nbsp;decision to back Israel&#39;s claim on Jerusalem at 1800 (GMT).

Tillerson said Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner was?"engaged in a quiet way" in the Middle East to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson speaking at the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said there is a "very good opportunity for peace to be achieved" in the Middle East with President Trump set to announce his decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. "The president is very committed to the Middle East peace process," adding,"We continue to believe there is a very good opportunity for peace to be achieved and the president has a team that is devoted to that entirely." Tillerson said Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner was "engaged in a quiet way" in the Middle East to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Meanwhile, PM Theresa May told British Parliament today said she will be calling Trump as he gets ready to announce his decision to announce Jerusalem as Israel's capital. "Our position has not changed. The status of Jerusalem should be determined as a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and Jerusalem should be a shared capital," May said. Trump's imminent announcement triggered a wave of protest in the Middle East with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani calling it "wrong, illegitimate, provocative and very dangerous". Iran has been supporting the Palestinian cause since the 70s when the Islamic revolution took place in that country. It is out of despair & debility that they want to declare #AlQuds as capital of the Zionist regime. On issue of #Palestine their hands are tied & they can't achieve their goals. Victory belongs to Islamic Ummah. Palestine will be free, Palestinian nation will achieve victory. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) December 6, 2017 × Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said:" The Islamic world will undoubtedly stand against this plot and the Zionists will receive a big blow from this action and dear Palestine will be liberated." Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it would be a "grave mistake" if the United States moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Trump is due to announce his decision to back Israel's claim on Jerusalem at 1800 (GMT).

President Trump committed to Middle East peace process: Tillerson

President Donald Trump told Israeli and Arab leaders on Tuesday that he intends to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a decision that breaks with decades of U.S. policy and risks fuelling violence in the Middle East.

Senior U.S. officials said Trump on Wednesday is expected to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital while delaying relocating the embassy from Tel Aviv for another six months, though he plans to order his aides to immediately begin planning such a move.

U.S. endorsement of Israel&#39;s claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital would reverse long-standing U.S. policy that the city&#39;s status must be decided in negotiations with the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, home to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan&#39;s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Arabia&#39;s King Salman, who all received telephone calls from Trump, joined a mounting chorus of voices warning that unilateral U.S. steps on Jerusalem would derail a fledgling U.S.-led peace effort and unleash turmoil in the region.

The White House said that Trump had also spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime proponent of a U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&#39;s office did not respond to a request for comment, but a senior Israeli minister welcomed Trump&#39;s decision while vowing that Israel would be prepared for any outbreak of violence.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that Trump, who promised during the presidential campaign to move the embassy in Israel, would give a speech on Wednesday about his Jerusalem decision. &quot;The president I would say is pretty solid in his thinking at this point,&quot; she said, declining to provide details.

Trump notified Abbas &quot;of his intention to move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,&quot; Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said.

Abbas, in response, &quot;warned of the dangerous consequences such a decision would have to the peace process and to the peace, security and stability of the region and of the world&quot; and also appealed to the Pope and the leaders of Russia, France and Jordan to intervene.

The Jordanian monarch, whose dynasty is the custodian of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, told Trump that moving the embassy would have &quot;dangerous repercussions&quot; for the region and would obstruct U.S. efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, according to a palace statement.

King Salman stressed to Trump that any U.S. announcement on the status of Jerusalem would &quot;inflame Muslim feelings all over the world,&rdquo; the Saudi Press Agency said.

None of the leaders` statements said whether Trump specified the timing of an embassy move, a notion supported by successive governments in Israel, a close U.S. ally.

But U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump was expected to sign a national security waiver - as have his predecessors - keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv for another six months but would commit to setting the move in motion. However, he was not planning to set a specific timetable, the officials said.

The Trump administration would need time to overcome logistical issues such as lack of a secure embassy building and staff housing in Jerusalem, according to one U.S. official.

Trump appears intent on satisfying the pro-Israel, right-wing base, including evangelical Christians, that helped him win the presidency but was disappointed when he delayed the embassy move in June. No other country has its embassy in Jerusalem.

Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it, an action not recognised internationally.

A big mistake 

Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz, who met last week with U.S. officials in Washington, told Israel`s Army Radio: &quot;My impression is that the president will recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years, as the capital of the state of Israel.&rdquo;

Asked whether Israel was preparing for a wave of violence if Trump recognises Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, he said: &quot;We are preparing for every option. Anything like that can always erupt. If Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) will lead it in that direction then he will be making a big mistake.&rdquo;

Islamist militant groups such as al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah have in the past tried to exploit Muslim sensitivities over Jerusalem to stoke anti-Israel and anti-U.S. sentiment.

Asked whether Trump recognised that his Jerusalem decision could spark violence, Sanders said: &quot;A number of things have been looked at that have been weighed into the president`s decision.&quot;

Senior U.S. officials told Reuters some officers in the State Department were also deeply concerned and the European Union, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League all warned that any such declaration would have repercussions across the region.&nbsp;

Turkey threatened on Tuesday to cut diplomatic ties with Israel if Trump recognises Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Katz took to Twitter to reject Turkey&#39;s threat and reiterate Israel`s position on the city, which is one of a long list of stumbling blocks in years of failed peace talks with the Palestinians.

A U.S. official said the consensus U.S. intelligence estimate on U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital was that it would risk triggering a backlash against Israel, and also potentially against U.S. interests in the Middle East.

It is also likely to upset an Israeli-Palestinian peace push led by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, in pursuit of what the U.S. president has called the &quot;ultimate deal.&quot; The initiative has made little progress.

The White House said in a statement that in calls with Israeli and Arab leaders, Trump &quot;reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks&quot; and &quot;underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation with each partner.&quot;&nbsp;

Arab criticism of Trump&#39;s plan contrasted sharply with the praise Washington`s traditional Arab allies heaped on him at the beginning of his administration. They saw Trump as re-engaging in the region after what they perceived as former President Barack Obama&rsquo;s distancing of himself from them, as well as taking a tougher stand against Iran.

The European Union&#39;s top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said on Tuesday that &quot;any action that would undermine&quot; peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians &quot;must absolutely be avoided.&quot;

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has &ldquo;consistently warned against any unilateral action that would have the potential to undermine the two-state solution,&rdquo;

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

The decision breaks with decades of US policy and risks fuelling violence in the Middle East

President Donald Trump told Israeli and Arab leaders on Tuesday that he intends to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a decision that breaks with decades of U.S. policy and risks fuelling violence in the Middle East. Senior U.S. officials said Trump on Wednesday is expected to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital while delaying relocating the embassy from Tel Aviv for another six months, though he plans to order his aides to immediately begin planning such a move. U.S. endorsement of Israel's claim to all of Jerusalem as its capital would reverse long-standing U.S. policy that the city's status must be decided in negotiations with the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the entire city, home to sites holy to the Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan's King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Arabia's King Salman, who all received telephone calls from Trump, joined a mounting chorus of voices warning that unilateral U.S. steps on Jerusalem would derail a fledgling U.S.-led peace effort and unleash turmoil in the region. The White House said that Trump had also spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime proponent of a U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem. Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment, but a senior Israeli minister welcomed Trump's decision while vowing that Israel would be prepared for any outbreak of violence. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that Trump, who promised during the presidential campaign to move the embassy in Israel, would give a speech on Wednesday about his Jerusalem decision. "The president I would say is pretty solid in his thinking at this point," she said, declining to provide details. Trump notified Abbas "of his intention to move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said. Abbas, in response, "warned of the dangerous consequences such a decision would have to the peace process and to the peace, security and stability of the region and of the world" and also appealed to the Pope and the leaders of Russia, France and Jordan to intervene. The Jordanian monarch, whose dynasty is the custodian of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, told Trump that moving the embassy would have "dangerous repercussions" for the region and would obstruct U.S. efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, according to a palace statement. King Salman stressed to Trump that any U.S. announcement on the status of Jerusalem would "inflame Muslim feelings all over the world,” the Saudi Press Agency said. None of the leaders` statements said whether Trump specified the timing of an embassy move, a notion supported by successive governments in Israel, a close U.S. ally. But U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump was expected to sign a national security waiver - as have his predecessors - keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv for another six months but would commit to setting the move in motion. However, he was not planning to set a specific timetable, the officials said. The Trump administration would need time to overcome logistical issues such as lack of a secure embassy building and staff housing in Jerusalem, according to one U.S. official. Trump appears intent on satisfying the pro-Israel, right-wing base, including evangelical Christians, that helped him win the presidency but was disappointed when he delayed the embassy move in June. No other country has its embassy in Jerusalem. Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it, an action not recognised internationally. A big mistake Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz, who met last week with U.S. officials in Washington, told Israel`s Army Radio: "My impression is that the president will recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years, as the capital of the state of Israel.” Asked whether Israel was preparing for a wave of violence if Trump recognises Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, he said: "We are preparing for every option. Anything like that can always erupt. If Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) will lead it in that direction then he will be making a big mistake.” Islamist militant groups such as al Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah have in the past tried to exploit Muslim sensitivities over Jerusalem to stoke anti-Israel and anti-U.S. sentiment. Asked whether Trump recognised that his Jerusalem decision could spark violence, Sanders said: "A number of things have been looked at that have been weighed into the president`s decision." Senior U.S. officials told Reuters some officers in the State Department were also deeply concerned and the European Union, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League all warned that any such declaration would have repercussions across the region. Turkey threatened on Tuesday to cut diplomatic ties with Israel if Trump recognises Jerusalem. Katz took to Twitter to reject Turkey's threat and reiterate Israel`s position on the city, which is one of a long list of stumbling blocks in years of failed peace talks with the Palestinians. A U.S. official said the consensus U.S. intelligence estimate on U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital was that it would risk triggering a backlash against Israel, and also potentially against U.S. interests in the Middle East. It is also likely to upset an Israeli-Palestinian peace push led by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, in pursuit of what the U.S. president has called the "ultimate deal." The initiative has made little progress. The White House said in a statement that in calls with Israeli and Arab leaders, Trump "reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks" and "underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation with each partner." Arab criticism of Trump's plan contrasted sharply with the praise Washington`s traditional Arab allies heaped on him at the beginning of his administration. They saw Trump as re-engaging in the region after what they perceived as former President Barack Obama’s distancing of himself from them, as well as taking a tougher stand against Iran. The European Union's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, said on Tuesday that "any action that would undermine" peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians "must absolutely be avoided." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has “consistently warned against any unilateral action that would have the potential to undermine the two-state solution,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

Trump tells Arab, Israeli leaders he plans to move embassy to Jerusalem

President Donald Trump will recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital Wednesday, upending decades of careful US policy and ignoring dire warnings of a historic misstep that could trigger a surge of violence in the Middle East.

A senior administration official said Trump would make the landmark announcement -- which flies in the face of warnings from America&#39;s allies across the region and the world -- at 1 pm (1800 GMT) from the White House.

&quot;He will say that that the United States government recognizes that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel,&quot; a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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<h5>He views this as a recognition of reality, both historic reality and modern reality&#39;</h5>
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&quot;He views this as a recognition of reality, both historic reality,&quot; the source added, &quot;and modern reality.&quot;

Plunging further into a bitter centuries-old argument between Jews, Muslims and Christians, Trump will also order planning to begin on moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

&quot;It will take some time to find a site, to address security concerns, design a new facility, fund a new facility and build it,&quot; the official said, indicating that the move will not be immediate.

&quot;It will be a matter of some years, it won&#39;t be months, it&#39;s going to take time.&quot;

The status of Jerusalem is a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming the city as their capital, and expectations of Trump&#39;s announcement have roiled the combustible region.

In a frantic series of calls on its eve, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the EU, France, Germany and Turkey all warned Trump against the move.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-mideast-leaders-he-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-breaking-with-us-policy-25980" target="_blank">Also read: Trump tells Arab, Israeli leaders he plans to move embassy to Jerusalem</a>

Anticipating widespread demonstrations, US government officials have been ordered to avoid Jerusalem&#39;s Old City and the West Bank.

But Trump&#39;s move comes close to fulfilling a campaign promise and will delight his political donors and the conservative and evangelical base that is so vital for the embattled president.

&#39;Red line&#39; 
Most of the international community does not formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved in final status negotiations.

US officials talk of &quot;threading the needle&quot; -- fulfilling Trump&#39;s campaign pledge, while keeping the peace process on the rails.

The White House argues that such a move would not prejudge final talks and would represent the reality that west Jerusalem is and will continue to be part of Israel under any settlement.

&quot;President Trump remains committed to achieving a lasting peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and is optimistic that peace can be achieved,&quot; a second official said.

&quot;President Trump is prepared to support a two State solution... If agreed to by the two parties.&quot;

But critics say Trump&#39;s approach is more like &quot;splitting the baby&quot; and could also extinguish his own much-vaunted efforts to broker Middle East peace while igniting the flames of conflict in a region already reeling from crises in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Qatar.

The armed Islamist Hamas movement has threatened to launch a new &quot;intifada&quot; or uprising.

Saudi Arabia&#39;s King Salman warned his close ally that moving the US embassy was a &quot;dangerous step&quot; that could rile Muslims around the world.

&quot;Mr Trump! Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims,&quot; Turkey&#39;s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a raucous televised speech, echoing alarm expressed by Palestinian and Arab leaders.

&#39;Embassy Act&#39; 
Israel seized the largely-Arab eastern sector of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, claiming both sides of the city as its &quot;eternal and undivided capital.&quot;

But the Palestinians want the eastern sector as the capital of their future state and fiercely oppose any Israeli attempt to extend sovereignty there.

Trump was pushed to act on the embassy as a result of the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, which stated that the city &quot;should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel&quot; and that the US embassy should be moved there.

An inbuilt waiver has been repeatedly invoked by successive US presidents, postponing the move on grounds of &quot;national security&quot; once every six months, meaning the law has never taken effect.

Several peace plans have unravelled over the issue of how to divide sovereignty or oversee sites in the city that are holy for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The decision upends decades of US policy and risks fuelling violence in the Middle East

President Donald Trump will recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital Wednesday, upending decades of careful US policy and ignoring dire warnings of a historic misstep that could trigger a surge of violence in the Middle East. A senior administration official said Trump would make the landmark announcement -- which flies in the face of warnings from America's allies across the region and the world -- at 1 pm (1800 GMT) from the White House. "He will say that that the United States government recognizes that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel," a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. He views this as a recognition of reality, both historic reality and modern reality' × "He views this as a recognition of reality, both historic reality," the source added, "and modern reality." Plunging further into a bitter centuries-old argument between Jews, Muslims and Christians, Trump will also order planning to begin on moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. "It will take some time to find a site, to address security concerns, design a new facility, fund a new facility and build it," the official said, indicating that the move will not be immediate. "It will be a matter of some years, it won't be months, it's going to take time." The status of Jerusalem is a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming the city as their capital, and expectations of Trump's announcement have roiled the combustible region. In a frantic series of calls on its eve, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the EU, France, Germany and Turkey all warned Trump against the move. Also read: Trump tells Arab, Israeli leaders he plans to move embassy to Jerusalem Anticipating widespread demonstrations, US government officials have been ordered to avoid Jerusalem's Old City and the West Bank. But Trump's move comes close to fulfilling a campaign promise and will delight his political donors and the conservative and evangelical base that is so vital for the embattled president. 'Red line' Most of the international community does not formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved in final status negotiations. US officials talk of "threading the needle" -- fulfilling Trump's campaign pledge, while keeping the peace process on the rails. The White House argues that such a move would not prejudge final talks and would represent the reality that west Jerusalem is and will continue to be part of Israel under any settlement. "President Trump remains committed to achieving a lasting peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and is optimistic that peace can be achieved," a second official said. "President Trump is prepared to support a two State solution... If agreed to by the two parties." But critics say Trump's approach is more like "splitting the baby" and could also extinguish his own much-vaunted efforts to broker Middle East peace while igniting the flames of conflict in a region already reeling from crises in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Qatar. The armed Islamist Hamas movement has threatened to launch a new "intifada" or uprising. Saudi Arabia's King Salman warned his close ally that moving the US embassy was a "dangerous step" that could rile Muslims around the world. "Mr Trump! Jerusalem is a red line for Muslims," Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a raucous televised speech, echoing alarm expressed by Palestinian and Arab leaders. 'Embassy Act' Israel seized the largely-Arab eastern sector of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, claiming both sides of the city as its "eternal and undivided capital." But the Palestinians want the eastern sector as the capital of their future state and fiercely oppose any Israeli attempt to extend sovereignty there. Trump was pushed to act on the embassy as a result of the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, which stated that the city "should be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel" and that the US embassy should be moved there. An inbuilt waiver has been repeatedly invoked by successive US presidents, postponing the move on grounds of "national security" once every six months, meaning the law has never taken effect. Several peace plans have unravelled over the issue of how to divide sovereignty or oversee sites in the city that are holy for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital

Every year, at the very end of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, and at the end of the Passover Seder, Jews all over the world recite, &ldquo;Next year in Jerusalem.&rdquo; The City, older than Bible, is at the heart and mind of all practising Jews. Jerusalem, more than any other city, stands as the symbol of the &#39;Promised Land&#39; as the Jews survived expulsion by the Romans, slavery in the land of the Pharaohs and the Holocaust in Europe. At the end of the Second World War, many Jewish survivors of Hitler&#39;s concentration camps came back to settle in and around Jerusalem.&nbsp;

For long, the Jewish stakeholders around the world had been trying very hard to gain a recognition for the Holy City as Israel&#39;s capital. But they have faced tough luck so far. Even Israel&#39;s closest ally, the US had been refusing to grant capital status to Jerusalem primarily because of the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;

Battle for Jerusalem

Palestinians and Israelis have been fighting over Jerusalem ever since the state of Israel has been established. Israel&rsquo;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has himself asserted that Israel is in the midst of a &ldquo;battle for Jerusalem&rdquo;. While political and religious acrimony over the city has caused much bloodshed among members of both the communities, the lives of the Jerusalem&#39;s citizens have been almost inextricably intertwined.&nbsp;

The primary flashpoint in Jerusalem is the sacred compound in the Old City, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount. The religious topography there is meaningful for the current conflict. Islamic structures stand on the Haram today and are used on a daily basis. The Jewish holy places exist primarily in archaeology and memory. Worship focuses on a remaining fragment of the Second, or Herod&rsquo;s, Temple, known as the Western Wall. A fragile modus vivendi has existed since 1967 that enables Jews to pray below at the Wall and Muslims above on the esplanade.&nbsp;

Such entwined existence is ubiquitous because the two communities, over the ages, have lived there in harmony as well as in discord. So much so that when violence breaks out it has become impossible to spare anyone community from sufferings such attacks entail. In 2014, for instance, when an attack took place in West Jerusalem at a synagogue, killing four Jewish worshippers, it also resulted in the death of Israeli Druze Zidan Saif.&nbsp;

Saif, incidentally, was not an Israeli Jew.&nbsp; He belonged to a distinct branch of Islam whose members often serve in Israel&rsquo;s police or armed forces. Saif&#39;s funeral was attended by the President of Israel and a large number of ultra-orthodox Jews.&nbsp;

My city, your city, our city

President Trump&#39;s announcement in support of making Jerusalem the capital city of Israel will further weaken the fragile balance on which Jerusalem sustains itself. The decision has the potential to embroil the different religious communities in bloody violence. Particularly because just like the Israeli state, in May 2017, the Palestinian group Hamas presented a document that proposed the formation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.&nbsp;

Giving to the demand of one community over the other, particularly when one-third of the population of Jerusalem is actually Muslim, and with a large number of Christians living in the area too, tantamounts to playing with fire. But Trump to fulfill his election promises and to pacify a large number of his orthodox influential voters is ready to let an already volatile region go further the extremist way.&nbsp;

But as Trump does not seem to care, it seems similar dogged determination has taken over supporters of the Zionist cause living in Israel too.&nbsp;Shumel Rosner, an expert in the Israeli politics and Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for instance, writes in the New York Times that the Israelis will not be deterred by threats of violence or by actual violence itself. Indeed as per the words of Rosner, the US declaration in support of Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel is a truly Trumansque moment. The author is here referring back to President Truman&#39;s decision to support the partition of Palestine, though the C.I.A. warned the President that &ldquo;armed hostilities between Jews and Arabs will break out if the U.N. General Assembly accepts the plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Whose city is it anyway?

Jews, Muslims and Christians all the three communities have very long and intimate association with Jerusalem. For historical reasons, one community might have come before the other, but their histories overlap for a significant stretch of time.

Jews had been praying facing Jerusalem for time immemorial.&nbsp;

It is Jerusalem that matter most to the Christians, more than Bethlehem and Nazareth. This was where Christ preached, ate the Last Supper with his disciples before his death, where he was arrested, put on trial, condemned to death, crucified, and died, a man mocked and tortured by the occupying Romans. It is where, Christians believe, his tomb was found empty and he rose from the dead. Jerusalem, they say, is the &#39;sacred heart&#39; of the Christian story.

Jerusalem&#39;s pivotal place in the religious and political history of Islam is equally undeniable. According to Islamic tradition, the prophet travelled miraculously from Mecca to Jerusalem and then upwards through the seven heavens, culminating in a direct conversation with, and/or vision of, God. Before his ascension, he led all the previous prophets of God, including all the Biblical and Israelite prophets, in prayer. Islamic rule over Jerusalem lasted for 12 centuries, longer than any other rule, whether Israelite, Roman, Persian or Christian.

President Trump should have shown better judgement on the matter. He needed to have shown more nuanced appreciation towards the shared history of the region. But characteristically to his rash and provocative nature, Trump went ahead without heeding the advice of the world community.&nbsp;

We can just hope that Jerusalem in spite of its newfound recognition will continue to be a place of harmony for all peoples. And, instead of being the political capital of nation-state, it will be the emotional center of a multicultural universe. After all, the root meaning of Jerusalem is shalom- a city of peace. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

To fulfill his election promises and to pacify a large number of his orthodox influential voters, Trump is ready to let an already volatile region go further down the extremist way.?

Every year, at the very end of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, and at the end of the Passover Seder, Jews all over the world recite, “Next year in Jerusalem.” The City, older than Bible, is at the heart and mind of all practising Jews. Jerusalem, more than any other city, stands as the symbol of the 'Promised Land' as the Jews survived expulsion by the Romans, slavery in the land of the Pharaohs and the Holocaust in Europe. At the end of the Second World War, many Jewish survivors of Hitler's concentration camps came back to settle in and around Jerusalem. For long, the Jewish stakeholders around the world had been trying very hard to gain a recognition for the Holy City as Israel's capital. But they have faced tough luck so far. Even Israel's closest ally, the US had been refusing to grant capital status to Jerusalem primarily because of the sensitivity of the matter. Battle for Jerusalem Palestinians and Israelis have been fighting over Jerusalem ever since the state of Israel has been established. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has himself asserted that Israel is in the midst of a “battle for Jerusalem”. While political and religious acrimony over the city has caused much bloodshed among members of both the communities, the lives of the Jerusalem's citizens have been almost inextricably intertwined. The primary flashpoint in Jerusalem is the sacred compound in the Old City, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount. The religious topography there is meaningful for the current conflict. Islamic structures stand on the Haram today and are used on a daily basis. The Jewish holy places exist primarily in archaeology and memory. Worship focuses on a remaining fragment of the Second, or Herod’s, Temple, known as the Western Wall. A fragile modus vivendi has existed since 1967 that enables Jews to pray below at the Wall and Muslims above on the esplanade. Such entwined existence is ubiquitous because the two communities, over the ages, have lived there in harmony as well as in discord. So much so that when violence breaks out it has become impossible to spare anyone community from sufferings such attacks entail. In 2014, for instance, when an attack took place in West Jerusalem at a synagogue, killing four Jewish worshippers, it also resulted in the death of Israeli Druze Zidan Saif. Saif, incidentally, was not an Israeli Jew. He belonged to a distinct branch of Islam whose members often serve in Israel’s police or armed forces. Saif's funeral was attended by the President of Israel and a large number of ultra-orthodox Jews. My city, your city, our city President Trump's announcement in support of making Jerusalem the capital city of Israel will further weaken the fragile balance on which Jerusalem sustains itself. The decision has the potential to embroil the different religious communities in bloody violence. Particularly because just like the Israeli state, in May 2017, the Palestinian group Hamas presented a document that proposed the formation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Giving to the demand of one community over the other, particularly when one-third of the population of Jerusalem is actually Muslim, and with a large number of Christians living in the area too, tantamounts to playing with fire. But Trump to fulfill his election promises and to pacify a large number of his orthodox influential voters is ready to let an already volatile region go further the extremist way. But as Trump does not seem to care, it seems similar dogged determination has taken over supporters of the Zionist cause living in Israel too. Shumel Rosner, an expert in the Israeli politics and Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for instance, writes in the New York Times that the Israelis will not be deterred by threats of violence or by actual violence itself. Indeed as per the words of Rosner, the US declaration in support of Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel is a truly Trumansque moment. The author is here referring back to President Truman's decision to support the partition of Palestine, though the C.I.A. warned the President that “armed hostilities between Jews and Arabs will break out if the U.N. General Assembly accepts the plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states.” Whose city is it anyway? Jews, Muslims and Christians all the three communities have very long and intimate association with Jerusalem. For historical reasons, one community might have come before the other, but their histories overlap for a significant stretch of time. Jews had been praying facing Jerusalem for time immemorial. It is Jerusalem that matter most to the Christians, more than Bethlehem and Nazareth. This was where Christ preached, ate the Last Supper with his disciples before his death, where he was arrested, put on trial, condemned to death, crucified, and died, a man mocked and tortured by the occupying Romans. It is where, Christians believe, his tomb was found empty and he rose from the dead. Jerusalem, they say, is the 'sacred heart' of the Christian story. Jerusalem's pivotal place in the religious and political history of Islam is equally undeniable. According to Islamic tradition, the prophet travelled miraculously from Mecca to Jerusalem and then upwards through the seven heavens, culminating in a direct conversation with, and/or vision of, God. Before his ascension, he led all the previous prophets of God, including all the Biblical and Israelite prophets, in prayer. Islamic rule over Jerusalem lasted for 12 centuries, longer than any other rule, whether Israelite, Roman, Persian or Christian. President Trump should have shown better judgement on the matter. He needed to have shown more nuanced appreciation towards the shared history of the region. But characteristically to his rash and provocative nature, Trump went ahead without heeding the advice of the world community. We can just hope that Jerusalem in spite of its newfound recognition will continue to be a place of harmony for all peoples. And, instead of being the political capital of nation-state, it will be the emotional center of a multicultural universe. After all, the root meaning of Jerusalem is shalom- a city of peace. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Trump is wrong; Israel alone can't claim Jerusalem

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-is-ayodhya-case-related-to-2019-elections-pm-modi-asks-kapil-sibal-26043" target="_blank">How is Ayodhya case related to 2019 elections? PM Modi asks Kapil Sibal in Gujarat election rally</a>

While addressing a rally in Gujarat&#39;s Dhandhuka, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that he has no objection to Kapil Sibal representing the Muslim community in Ayodhya case. However, he questioned how is the case connected to Lok Sabha elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-exemption-in-odd-even-scheme-delhi-governments-pollution-action-plan-to-ngt-26038" target="_blank">&#39;No exemption&#39; in odd-even scheme: Delhi government&#39;s pollution action plan to NGT</a>

The Delhi government today&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxygen-chamber-in-gurgaon-a-respite-from-pollution-25018">told the National Green Tribunal(NGT)</a>&nbsp;that there would be no exemption&nbsp;for vehicles in the odd-even scheme when it implemented next time. The Kejriwal government submitted its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-children-are-inhaling-cigarette-the-moment-they-are-born-24287">action plan to combat pollution</a>&nbsp;in the national capital.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-move-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-capital-of-israel-will-lead-to-escalation-of-tension-china-26028" target="_blank">Jerusalem status: &#39;Concerned about possible escalation of tension,&#39; says China</a>

China said today US President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would lead to &quot;possible escalation of tensions&quot;. Britain which is the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-mideast-leaders-he-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-breaking-with-us-policy-25980">principal ally of the United States&nbsp;</a>expressed &quot;concern&quot; and said Jerusalem should be part of the &quot;final settlement between the Israelis&nbsp;and the Palestinians&quot;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-franchises-allowed-to-retain-5-players-26046" target="_blank">IPL franchises allowed to retain 5 players: Rajeev Shukla</a>

Providing a long-pending solution to the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to retain their big players, the governing council on Wednesday announced that the franchises can retain a maximum of five players by virtue of a combination of pre-auction retention and Right To Match (RTM) cards for the upcoming 2018 edition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/metoo-time-magazine-announces-silence-breakers-as-person-of-the-year-26051" target="_blank">#Metoo: Time magazine announces &#39;Silence breakers&#39; as &#39;Person of the Year&#39;</a>

Time Magazine&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/asians-featured-on-time-magazine-cover-page-as-person-of-the-year-589#photo-30703">has designated &quot;silence breakers</a>&quot;&nbsp;who triggered the sexual harassment revelations as &quot;Person of the Year&quot;. Time magazine publishes the &quot;Person of the Year&quot; on 6th December every year. It has decided to bring the&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment case into focus this year.&nbsp;

How is Ayodhya case related to 2019 elections? PM Modi asks Kapil Sibal in Gujarat election rally While addressing a rally in Gujarat's Dhandhuka, Prime minister Narendra Modi has said that he has no objection to Kapil Sibal representing the Muslim community in Ayodhya case. However, he questioned how is the case connected to Lok Sabha elections. 'No exemption' in odd-even scheme: Delhi government's pollution action plan to NGT The Delhi government today told the National Green Tribunal(NGT) that there would be no exemption for vehicles in the odd-even scheme when it implemented next time. The Kejriwal government submitted its action plan to combat pollution in the national capital. Jerusalem status: 'Concerned about possible escalation of tension,' says China China said today US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would lead to "possible escalation of tensions". Britain which is the principal ally of the United States expressed "concern" and said Jerusalem should be part of the "final settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians" IPL franchises allowed to retain 5 players: Rajeev Shukla Providing a long-pending solution to the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to retain their big players, the governing council on Wednesday announced that the franchises can retain a maximum of five players by virtue of a combination of pre-auction retention and Right To Match (RTM) cards for the upcoming 2018 edition. #Metoo: Time magazine announces 'Silence breakers' as 'Person of the Year' Time Magazine has designated "silence breakers" who triggered the sexual harassment revelations as "Person of the Year". Time magazine publishes the "Person of the Year" on 6th December every year. It has decided to bring the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment case into focus this year.

WION Evening News brief, 6 December, 2017

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-of-catastrophe-if-us-recognises-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-25859">Donald Trump called Palestinian leader Mahmud</a> Abbas on Tuesday as speculation grew the president was planning to move the US 
embassy to Jerusalem, a move which would alter decades-old policy on Jerusalem.

White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and Jordan&nbsp;King&nbsp;Abdullah shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;Tayseer Jaradat, Palestinian deputy foreign minister said any move to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would be a breach of international law 
and&nbsp; &quot;infringement to feelings&quot; of the Palestinian people.

Turkey said it would cut ties with Israel if Trump changed US policy on Jerusalem.

French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed concern over US move to &quot;unilaterally recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel&quot; during a phone call with Trump on Monday.

European Union diplomat Federica Mogherini, said: &quot;Any action that would undermine peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians must absolutely be avoided.&quot;

Report said the US president may not move the embassy but could recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital which would radically shift US policy and enrage several Arab nations, including several US allies in Europe 
and West Asia.

The Arab League it was a &quot;clear aggression&quot; against Arabs.&nbsp;

Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said &quot;given the danger of this matter if it were to happen,&nbsp;it would have possible negative consequences not only for the situation in Palestine&nbsp;but also for the Arab and Islamic region.&quot;

White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM, Jordanian king shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of ?Jerusalem.

US President Donald Trump called Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday as speculation grew the president was planning to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, a move which would alter decades-old policy on Jerusalem. White House said President Trump is set to call Israel PM Netanyahu and Jordan King Abdullah shortly as he mulls a radical change in US policy over the status of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Tayseer Jaradat, Palestinian deputy foreign minister said any move to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would be a breach of international law and "infringement to feelings" of the Palestinian people. Turkey said it would cut ties with Israel if Trump changed US policy on Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed concern over US move to "unilaterally recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel" during a phone call with Trump on Monday. European Union diplomat Federica Mogherini, said: "Any action that would undermine peace efforts to create two separate states for the Israelis and the Palestinians must absolutely be avoided." Report said the US president may not move the embassy but could recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital which would radically shift US policy and enrage several Arab nations, including several US allies in Europe and West Asia. The Arab League it was a "clear aggression" against Arabs. Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit said "given the danger of this matter if it were to happen, it would have possible negative consequences not only for the situation in Palestine but also for the Arab and Islamic region."

EU, Arab league warn Trump not to change US policy on Jerusalem's status

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-lets-trumps-latest-travel-ban-go-into-full-effect-25872">US Supreme Court lets Trump&#39;s latest travel ban go into full effect</a>

The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-commence-final-hearing-on-ayodhya-dispute-from-today-25881">Supreme Court to commence final hearing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-commence-final-hearing-on-ayodhya-dispute-from-today-25881">in</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-commence-final-hearing-on-ayodhya-dispute-from-today-25881"> Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute today</a>

The Supreme Court is likely to commence its final hearing in the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from today, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the medieval-era structure.

<a href="http://Sharad Yadav, Anwar Ali disqualified from Rajya Sabha">Sharad Yadav, Anwar Ali disqualified from Rajya Sabha</a>

Rebel JD(U) Members of Parliament (MPs) Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on Monday night after the Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu agreed to the Janata Dal (United)&#39;s contention that the two senior leaders had &quot;voluntarily given up&quot; their membership by defying their party&#39;s directives and attending events of opposition parties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/10000-google-staff-set-to-police-youtube-content-chief-executive-susan-wojcicki-25873" target="_blank">10,000 Google staff to police YouTube content</a>

Google has said it will deploy, by 2018, a total of 10,000 people to hunt down content on YouTube that is extremist or could endanger children, media reports said. &nbsp;

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki admitted to Britain&#39;s Daily Telegraph that &ldquo;bad actors are exploiting&rdquo; the video-sharing site to &ldquo;mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm&rdquo;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-jerusalem-verdict-as-pressure-mounts-25874">Trump delays decision to move US embassy to Jerusalem</a>

Facing dark warnings of a historic misstep and widespread unrest, US President Donald Trump on Monday delayed a decision on whether to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and move the US embassy there.

US defence secretary Mattis asks Pakistan to &#39;redouble efforts to confront terrorists&#39;

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday asked Pakistan&#39;s civilian and military leaders to &quot;redouble&quot; their efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

US Supreme Court lets Trump's latest travel ban go into full effect The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts. Supreme Court to commence final hearing in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute today The Supreme Court is likely to commence its final hearing in the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from today, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the medieval-era structure. Sharad Yadav, Anwar Ali disqualified from Rajya Sabha Rebel JD(U) Members of Parliament (MPs) Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on Monday night after the Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu agreed to the Janata Dal (United)'s contention that the two senior leaders had "voluntarily given up" their membership by defying their party's directives and attending events of opposition parties. 10,000 Google staff to police YouTube content Google has said it will deploy, by 2018, a total of 10,000 people to hunt down content on YouTube that is extremist or could endanger children, media reports said. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki admitted to Britain's Daily Telegraph that “bad actors are exploiting” the video-sharing site to “mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm”. Trump delays decision to move US embassy to Jerusalem Facing dark warnings of a historic misstep and widespread unrest, US President Donald Trump on Monday delayed a decision on whether to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and move the US embassy there. US defence secretary Mattis asks Pakistan to 'redouble efforts to confront terrorists' US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday asked Pakistan's civilian and military leaders to "redouble" their efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

WION morning news brief, November 5, 2017

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/week-after-north-korea-missile-test-us-south-korea-kick-off-largest-air-exercise-25783">Week after North Korea missile test, US &amp; South Korea kick off largest air exercise</a>

South Korea and the United States launched their largest-ever joint aerial drills on Monday, officials said, a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced missile as part of a weapons program that has raised global tensions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hospital-that-declared-newborn-dead-terminates-two-doctors-25775">Delhi hospital that declared newborn dead terminates two doctors</a>

The Delhi hospital that incorrectly declared a newborn baby dead has said that it is terminating the services of two doctors involved in the incident.

The decision was taken Sunday night after a meeting of Max Healthcare authorities.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-close-to-decision-on-whether-to-recognise-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-jared-kushner-25782">Trump close to decision on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital: Jared Kushner</a>

US President Donald Trump is close to a decision on whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, his son-in-law and Middle East peace envoy Jared Kushner said Sunday.

Palestinian leaders are lobbying desperately against such a move, fearing it could provoke such fury in the Arab world it could sink peace hopes for a generation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-357-fishermen-rescued-so-far-25779">Cyclone </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-357-fishermen-rescued-so-far-25779">Ockhi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-357-fishermen-rescued-so-far-25779">: 357 fishermen rescued so far, says defence minister</a>

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that, so far, 357 fishermen who had been stranded at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi&nbsp;had been rescued.

Sitharaman had reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/soccer-late-silva-goal-extends-citys-winning-run-to-13-games-25784">EPL: Late Silva goal extends City&#39;s winning run to 13 games</a>

David Silva scored a late goal as runaway leaders Manchester City won their 13th successive Premier League game and restored their eight-point lead with a 2-1 victory against West Ham United on Sunday.

Week after North Korea missile test, US & South Korea kick off largest air exercise South Korea and the United States launched their largest-ever joint aerial drills on Monday, officials said, a week after North Korea said it had tested its most advanced missile as part of a weapons program that has raised global tensions Delhi hospital that declared newborn dead terminates two doctors The Delhi hospital that incorrectly declared a newborn baby dead has said that it is terminating the services of two doctors involved in the incident. The decision was taken Sunday night after a meeting of Max Healthcare authorities. Trump close to decision on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital: Jared Kushner US President Donald Trump is close to a decision on whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, his son-in-law and Middle East peace envoy Jared Kushner said Sunday. Palestinian leaders are lobbying desperately against such a move, fearing it could provoke such fury in the Arab world it could sink peace hopes for a generation. Cyclone Ockhi: 357 fishermen rescued so far, says defence minister Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Sunday that, so far, 357 fishermen who had been stranded at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi had been rescued. Sitharaman had reached Kanyakumari on Sunday to take stock of the situation. EPL: Late Silva goal extends City's winning run to 13 games David Silva scored a late goal as runaway leaders Manchester City won their 13th successive Premier League game and restored their eight-point lead with a 2-1 victory against West Ham United on Sunday.

WION morning news brief, November 4, 2017

A senior Turkish government official on Monday warned of a &quot;major catastrophe&quot; if the United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital despite a flood of warnings from the Arab world.

&quot;If the (current) status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken ... that would be a major catastrophe,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said during a televised press conference.

&quot;It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest.&quot;

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world.

Most of the international community, including the US as well as Turkey, does not formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved through final status negotiations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a champion of the Palestinian cause, often criticises Israel over its actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, despite a 2016 reconciliation deal after years of severed ties following Israel&#39;s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound ship.&nbsp;

Bozdag, also government spokesman, on Monday said a US step to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital would benefit &quot;neither Israel ... nor the region.&quot;

&quot;It would not benefit anything. Rather than open new doors, it would drag the region into a new disaster.&quot;

President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world

A senior Turkish government official on Monday warned of a "major catastrophe" if the United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital despite a flood of warnings from the Arab world. "If the (current) status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken ... that would be a major catastrophe," Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said during a televised press conference. "It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest." The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Donald Trump faces a key decision this week on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, potentially reversing years of United States policy and drawing a furious response from the Palestinian leadership and the Arab world. Most of the international community, including the US as well as Turkey, does not formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, insisting the issue can only be resolved through final status negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a champion of the Palestinian cause, often criticises Israel over its actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, despite a 2016 reconciliation deal after years of severed ties following Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound ship. Bozdag, also government spokesman, on Monday said a US step to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital would benefit "neither Israel ... nor the region." "It would not benefit anything. Rather than open new doors, it would drag the region into a new disaster."

Turkey warns of 'catastrophe' if US recognises Jerusalem as Israel capital

The Arab League chief said on Sunday a decision by United States President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital would boost fanaticism and violence, and not serve the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Trump&#39;s son-in-law and Middle East peace envoy Jared Kushner told the Saban Forum on Sunday the president is close to a decision on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

&quot;It is unfortunate that some are insisting on carrying out this step without any regard to the dangers it carries to the stability of the Middle East and the whole world,&quot; Ahmed Abul Gheit, head of the Arab League, told reporters in Cairo on Sunday.

Abul Gheit said the Arab League is closely following the issue and is in contact with the Palestinian authorities and Arab states to coordinate the Arab position if Trump takes the step.

Trump must decide on Monday whether to sign a legal waiver that would delay plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for another six months.

Every US president has done this since 1995, judging the time not ripe for such a move, and Trump is expected to begrudgingly do so for a second time this week.

But, according to diplomats and observers, he is also now expected to announce in a speech on Wednesday that he supports Israel&#39;s claim on Jerusalem as its capital.

Palestinian leaders are lobbying desperately against such a move, fearing it could provoke such fury in the Arab world it could sink peace hopes for a generation.

&quot;Nothing justifies this act... it will not serve peace or stability, instead it will nourish fanaticism and violence,&quot; said Abul Gheit.

The move would &quot;benefit only one side, which is the anti-peace Israeli government,&quot; he told reporters.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

The Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

The traditional United States position is that the status of Jerusalem must be negotiated between the two sides.

Trump's son-in-law and Middle East peace envoy Jared Kushner said on Sunday the president is close to a decision on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital

The Arab League chief said on Sunday a decision by United States President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital would boost fanaticism and violence, and not serve the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Trump's son-in-law and Middle East peace envoy Jared Kushner told the Saban Forum on Sunday the president is close to a decision on whether to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. "It is unfortunate that some are insisting on carrying out this step without any regard to the dangers it carries to the stability of the Middle East and the whole world," Ahmed Abul Gheit, head of the Arab League, told reporters in Cairo on Sunday. Abul Gheit said the Arab League is closely following the issue and is in contact with the Palestinian authorities and Arab states to coordinate the Arab position if Trump takes the step. Trump must decide on Monday whether to sign a legal waiver that would delay plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for another six months. Every US president has done this since 1995, judging the time not ripe for such a move, and Trump is expected to begrudgingly do so for a second time this week. But, according to diplomats and observers, he is also now expected to announce in a speech on Wednesday that he supports Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital. Palestinian leaders are lobbying desperately against such a move, fearing it could provoke such fury in the Arab world it could sink peace hopes for a generation. "Nothing justifies this act... it will not serve peace or stability, instead it will nourish fanaticism and violence," said Abul Gheit. The move would "benefit only one side, which is the anti-peace Israeli government," he told reporters. Israel occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. The Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. The traditional United States position is that the status of Jerusalem must be negotiated between the two sides.

Arab League chief warns Trump Jerusalem move could fuel violence

Thousands of People held a rally against&nbsp;corruption and a new legislation in Tel Aviv on Saturday night.

People took out a &quot;march of shame&quot; in response to the government&#39;s police recommendations bill, which critics are believing to be aimed at shielding the corruption cases labelled against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Local Media reported that the bill will prevent Israel&#39;s police from making public their recommendations to indict following an investigation.

The march was organised by the leaders of the weekly anti-corruption demonstrations and people in large number participated in the protest.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is under the scanner in two cases. The first involves receiving gifts from wealthy businessmen and the second is negotiating a deal with a newspaper owner for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival daily.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing. Similar protests were also held in Jerusalem and Haifa.

People took out a 'march of shame' in response to the government's police recommendations bill, which critics are believing to be aimed at shielding the corruption cases labelled against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thousands of People held a rally against corruption and a new legislation in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. People took out a "march of shame" in response to the government's police recommendations bill, which critics are believing to be aimed at shielding the corruption cases labelled against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Local Media reported that the bill will prevent Israel's police from making public their recommendations to indict following an investigation. The march was organised by the leaders of the weekly anti-corruption demonstrations and people in large number participated in the protest. Prime Minister Netanyahu is under the scanner in two cases. The first involves receiving gifts from wealthy businessmen and the second is negotiating a deal with a newspaper owner for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival daily. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing. Similar protests were also held in Jerusalem and Haifa.

Israelis hold 'march of shame' against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv

A note that Albert Einstein gave to a courier in Tokyo briefly describing his theory on happy living sold at auction in Jerusalem on Tuesday for $1.56 million (1.33 million euros), the auction house said.

The winning bid for the note far exceeded the pre-auction estimate of between $5,000 and $8,000, according to the website of Winner&#39;s auction house.

&quot;It was an all-time record for an auction of a document in Israel,&quot; Winner&#39;s spokesman Meni Chadad said.

The buyer was a European who wished to remain anonymous, he said.

The note, on Imperial Hotel Tokyo stationery, says in German that &quot;a quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.&quot;

Bidding, in person, online and by phone, started at $2,000. A flurry of offers pushed the price rapidly up for about 20 minutes until the final two potential buyers bid against each other by phone.

Applause broke out in the room when the sale was announced.

&quot;I am really happy that there are people out there who are still interested in science and history and timeless deliveries in a world which are developing so fast,&quot; the seller said on condition of anonymity after the sale.

A second Einstein note written at the same time that simply reads &quot;where there&#39;s a will, there&#39;s a way&quot; sold for $240,000, Winner&#39;s said.

The German-born physicist, most famous for his theory of relativity, was on a lecture tour in Japan when he handwrote the autographed notes, previously unknown to researchers, in 1922.

He had recently been informed that he was to receive the Nobel Prize for physics, and his fame outside of scientific circles was growing.

A Japanese courier arrived at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo to deliver Einstein a message. The courier either refused to accept a tip, in line with local practice, or Einstein had no small change available.

Either way, Einstein didn&#39;t want the messenger to leave empty-handed, so he wrote him two notes by hand in German, according to the seller, a relative of the messenger.

&quot;Maybe if you&#39;re lucky those notes will become much more valuable than just a regular tip,&quot; Einstein told the messenger, according to the seller, a resident of the German city of Hamburg.

&#39;Stone in the mosaic&#39;

Two other letters Einstein wrote in later years were also auctioned on Tuesday, fetching prices of $33,600 and $9,600.

In June, letters were written by Einstein about God, Israel, and physics sold for nearly $210,000 at a Jerusalem auction.

Roni Grosz, the archivist in charge of the world&#39;s largest Einstein collection at Jerusalem&#39;s Hebrew University, said the notes shed light on the private thoughts of the great physicist, whose name has become synonymous with genius.

&quot;What we&#39;re doing here is painting the portrait of Einstein, the man, the scientist, his effect on the world through his writings,&quot; Grosz said.

&quot;This is a stone in the mosaic.&quot;

Einstein served as a non-resident governor of Jerusalem&#39;s Hebrew University. When he died in 1955, he left the institution his archives, making it the owner of the world&#39;s most extensive collection of his documents.

The Notes are given to courier by Albert Einstein were auctioned for $1.56 million.

A note that Albert Einstein gave to a courier in Tokyo briefly describing his theory on happy living sold at auction in Jerusalem on Tuesday for $1.56 million (1.33 million euros), the auction house said. The winning bid for the note far exceeded the pre-auction estimate of between $5,000 and $8,000, according to the website of Winner's auction house. "It was an all-time record for an auction of a document in Israel," Winner's spokesman Meni Chadad said. The buyer was a European who wished to remain anonymous, he said. The note, on Imperial Hotel Tokyo stationery, says in German that "a quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest." Bidding, in person, online and by phone, started at $2,000. A flurry of offers pushed the price rapidly up for about 20 minutes until the final two potential buyers bid against each other by phone. Applause broke out in the room when the sale was announced. "I am really happy that there are people out there who are still interested in science and history and timeless deliveries in a world which are developing so fast," the seller said on condition of anonymity after the sale. A second Einstein note written at the same time that simply reads "where there's a will, there's a way" sold for $240,000, Winner's said. The German-born physicist, most famous for his theory of relativity, was on a lecture tour in Japan when he handwrote the autographed notes, previously unknown to researchers, in 1922. He had recently been informed that he was to receive the Nobel Prize for physics, and his fame outside of scientific circles was growing. A Japanese courier arrived at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo to deliver Einstein a message. The courier either refused to accept a tip, in line with local practice, or Einstein had no small change available. Either way, Einstein didn't want the messenger to leave empty-handed, so he wrote him two notes by hand in German, according to the seller, a relative of the messenger. "Maybe if you're lucky those notes will become much more valuable than just a regular tip," Einstein told the messenger, according to the seller, a resident of the German city of Hamburg. 'Stone in the mosaic' Two other letters Einstein wrote in later years were also auctioned on Tuesday, fetching prices of $33,600 and $9,600. In June, letters were written by Einstein about God, Israel, and physics sold for nearly $210,000 at a Jerusalem auction. Roni Grosz, the archivist in charge of the world's largest Einstein collection at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, said the notes shed light on the private thoughts of the great physicist, whose name has become synonymous with genius. "What we're doing here is painting the portrait of Einstein, the man, the scientist, his effect on the world through his writings," Grosz said. "This is a stone in the mosaic." Einstein served as a non-resident governor of Jerusalem's Hebrew University. When he died in 1955, he left the institution his archives, making it the owner of the world's most extensive collection of his documents.

Einstein note on modest living sells for $1.56 million

Palestinian militant factions denied on Saturday a claim by Islamic State that three Palestinian men who carried out a fatal shooting and stabbing attack in Jerusalem were members of the militant group.

Islamic State took responsibility for the attack on Friday, in which one Israeli police officer was killed and another wounded, according to the group&#39;s Amaq news agency.

Israeli security officials did not respond immediately to requests for comment on what the SITE intelligence monitoring group described as the first time Islamic State had claimed responsibility for an attack in Israeli-controlled territory, nor on the attackers&#39; affiliation.

However, a senior official from Hamas, the Islamic group that rules the Gaza Strip, and the People&#39;s Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said the three attackers, who were all shot dead at the scene, were their own members.

&quot;The three hero martyrs who executed the Jerusalem operation have no connection to Daesh (Islamic State), they are affiliated with the PFLP and Hamas,&quot; Hamas&#39; Izzat El-Reshiq wrote on Twitter.

The PFLP published a separate statement in which it identified two of the three attackers as members. &quot;The media office of the PFLP armed wing mourns two of its hero comrades, two freed prisoners,&quot; it said.

Israeli police said on Friday all the assailants were from Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank. Two of the attackers, both from Ramallah, were between the ages of 18 and 19 and the third was a 30-year-old from Hebron, police spokeswoman Luba Simri said.

The assaults took place simultaneously in two areas near the Damascus gate of Jerusalem&#39;s walled old city.

Two Palestinians were shot dead after opening fire at and trying to stab a group of Israeli police officers at one scene, police said. At the other, a Palestinian fatally stabbed a border policewoman before being shot dead by police.

A wave of Palestinian street attacks began in October 2015 but has since slowed. Israel blames the violence on incitement by the Palestinian leadership.

The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, denies that and says assailants have acted out of desperation over Israeli occupation of land sought by Palestinians for a state.

U.S.-brokered peace talks between the sides broke down in 2014. Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War.

Islamic State claimed responsibility first after which Hamas said the three attackers had been their men

Palestinian militant factions denied on Saturday a claim by Islamic State that three Palestinian men who carried out a fatal shooting and stabbing attack in Jerusalem were members of the militant group. Islamic State took responsibility for the attack on Friday, in which one Israeli police officer was killed and another wounded, according to the group's Amaq news agency. Israeli security officials did not respond immediately to requests for comment on what the SITE intelligence monitoring group described as the first time Islamic State had claimed responsibility for an attack in Israeli-controlled territory, nor on the attackers' affiliation. However, a senior official from Hamas, the Islamic group that rules the Gaza Strip, and the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said the three attackers, who were all shot dead at the scene, were their own members. "The three hero martyrs who executed the Jerusalem operation have no connection to Daesh (Islamic State), they are affiliated with the PFLP and Hamas," Hamas' Izzat El-Reshiq wrote on Twitter. The PFLP published a separate statement in which it identified two of the three attackers as members. "The media office of the PFLP armed wing mourns two of its hero comrades, two freed prisoners," it said. Israeli police said on Friday all the assailants were from Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank. Two of the attackers, both from Ramallah, were between the ages of 18 and 19 and the third was a 30-year-old from Hebron, police spokeswoman Luba Simri said. The assaults took place simultaneously in two areas near the Damascus gate of Jerusalem's walled old city. Two Palestinians were shot dead after opening fire at and trying to stab a group of Israeli police officers at one scene, police said. At the other, a Palestinian fatally stabbed a border policewoman before being shot dead by police. A wave of Palestinian street attacks began in October 2015 but has since slowed. Israel blames the violence on incitement by the Palestinian leadership. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, denies that and says assailants have acted out of desperation over Israeli occupation of land sought by Palestinians for a state. U.S.-brokered peace talks between the sides broke down in 2014. Palestinians want to establish an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War.

Israeli policewoman stabbing: Islamic State, Hamas fight to claim responsibility

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Jerusalem will always be the capital of the Jewish state, speaking ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump.

&quot;Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel,&quot; Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers.

&quot;The Temple Mount and the Western Wall will always remain under Israeli sovereignty.&quot;

The Western Wall is the last remnant of the supporting wall of the second Jewish temple, built by King Herod and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

The holiest site where Jews can pray, it is in the Old City of east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community.

It is situated below the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam&#39;s third holiest site, referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount.

Trump is on Monday expected to become the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall.

Netanyahu was speaking at festivities marking the 50th anniversary of Israel&#39;s conquest of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War.

Preparations for Trump&#39;s visit have led to criticism from Israeli right-wingers after US officials declined to say whether the Western Wall was part of Israel.

The legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem is one of the key points in the Middle East conflict.

Israel considers the entire city to be its eternal and indivisible capital, but the Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

(AFP)

'Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel,' Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Jerusalem will always be the capital of the Jewish state, speaking ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump. "Tonight, I say to the whole world and in the clearest way possible, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel," Netanyahu said in front of thousands of concert-goers. "The Temple Mount and the Western Wall will always remain under Israeli sovereignty." The Western Wall is the last remnant of the supporting wall of the second Jewish temple, built by King Herod and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The holiest site where Jews can pray, it is in the Old City of east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community. It is situated below the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount. Trump is on Monday expected to become the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall. Netanyahu was speaking at festivities marking the 50th anniversary of Israel's conquest of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War. Preparations for Trump's visit have led to criticism from Israeli right-wingers after US officials declined to say whether the Western Wall was part of Israel. The legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem is one of the key points in the Middle East conflict. Israel considers the entire city to be its eternal and indivisible capital, but the Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. (AFP)

Jerusalem will always be Israel's capital: Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel has released thousands of previously classified official documents charting political decisions during the 1967 Six-Day War when it occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Made public by the Israel State Archives ahead of the 50th anniversary of the June 5-10 conflict, the 150,000 pages contain minutes of the wartime security cabinet and transcripts of other ministerial meetings, a government statement said.

At the end of the fighting with Egypt, Jordan and Syria the Jewish state was left in control of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, east Jerusalem, part of the Syrian Golan Heights and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula.

The Golan and east Jerusalem were subsequently annexed but the moves were never recognised by the international community.&nbsp;Fifty years later the West Bank remains occupied and the Gaza Strip is under a tight Israeli blockade.

The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing.

&quot;For the first time in 50 years it will be possible to closely follow the dynamic within the government regarding the Six-Day War,&quot; chief archivist Yaakov Lazovik said in the statement.

&quot;What were the ministers&#39; initial positions regarding the future of the territories?&quot;

On June 15, 1967, five days after the end of the war, ministers of the security cabinet discussed various options for the newly occupied territories, with then foreign minister Abba Eban describing continued Israeli rule as a potential &quot;powder keg&quot;.

&quot;We are sitting here with two populations, one of them endowed with all the civil rights and the other denied all rights,&quot; he was quoted as saying in extracts published by Israeli daily Haaretz.

&quot;The world will side with a liberation movement of that one and a half million&quot; under occupation, he said.

The possibility of expelling them was mentioned, with Levy Eshkol, the Israeli prime minister at the time, saying that &quot;if it were up to us, we would send all the Arabs to Brazil.&quot;

His justice minister, Yaakov Shimshon Shapira, objected.

&quot;They are inhabitants of this land, and today you are ruling over it. There is no reason to take Arabs who were born here out of here and transfer them to Iraq,&quot; he said.

Eshkol was unconvinced.

&quot;We didn&#39;t sneak in here. We said that the Land of Israel is ours by right,&quot; he wrote.

The documents reflect the government&#39;s thinking during the war and euphoria after the destruction of the Egyptian air force and the Israeli victories on the Jordanian and Syrian fronts.

(AFP)

The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing

Israel has released thousands of previously classified official documents charting political decisions during the 1967 Six-Day War when it occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Made public by the Israel State Archives ahead of the 50th anniversary of the June 5-10 conflict, the 150,000 pages contain minutes of the wartime security cabinet and transcripts of other ministerial meetings, a government statement said. At the end of the fighting with Egypt, Jordan and Syria the Jewish state was left in control of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, east Jerusalem, part of the Syrian Golan Heights and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. The Golan and east Jerusalem were subsequently annexed but the moves were never recognised by the international community. Fifty years later the West Bank remains occupied and the Gaza Strip is under a tight Israeli blockade. The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing. "For the first time in 50 years it will be possible to closely follow the dynamic within the government regarding the Six-Day War," chief archivist Yaakov Lazovik said in the statement. "What were the ministers' initial positions regarding the future of the territories?" On June 15, 1967, five days after the end of the war, ministers of the security cabinet discussed various options for the newly occupied territories, with then foreign minister Abba Eban describing continued Israeli rule as a potential "powder keg". "We are sitting here with two populations, one of them endowed with all the civil rights and the other denied all rights," he was quoted as saying in extracts published by Israeli daily Haaretz. "The world will side with a liberation movement of that one and a half million" under occupation, he said. The possibility of expelling them was mentioned, with Levy Eshkol, the Israeli prime minister at the time, saying that "if it were up to us, we would send all the Arabs to Brazil." His justice minister, Yaakov Shimshon Shapira, objected. "They are inhabitants of this land, and today you are ruling over it. There is no reason to take Arabs who were born here out of here and transfer them to Iraq," he said. Eshkol was unconvinced. "We didn't sneak in here. We said that the Land of Israel is ours by right," he wrote. The documents reflect the government's thinking during the war and euphoria after the destruction of the Egyptian air force and the Israeli victories on the Jordanian and Syrian fronts. (AFP)

Ahead of 50th anniversary, Israel declassifies six-day war archives

A Palestinian man stabbed a British woman in Jerusalem, media reports said. The woman died soon after she was rushed to hospital, reports added.

Media reports said the Palestinian stabbed her multiple times.

The man attacked the British woman in her early 20s as she was&nbsp;travelling&nbsp;on the light rail near Jerusalem&#39;s Old City, reports said.&nbsp;

The area was packed with Christians celebrating Good Friday and Jews celebrating Passover.

Developing

(WION)

&nbsp;

A Palestinian man stabbed a British woman multiple times in Jerusalem, the woman later died in hospital

A Palestinian man stabbed a British woman in Jerusalem, media reports said. The woman died soon after she was rushed to hospital, reports added. Media reports said the Palestinian stabbed her multiple times. The man attacked the British woman in her early 20s as she was travelling on the light rail near Jerusalem's Old City, reports said. The area was packed with Christians celebrating Good Friday and Jews celebrating Passover. Developing (WION)

British woman stabbed on Jerusalem light rail: Reports

Separate decrees to prohibit mosques from using loudspeakers and limiting the number of calls to prayers have received initial support in the Israeli parliament amid intense opposition from Arab lawmakers.

Israel&#39;s attempt to muzzle mosques in the country has drawn condemnation from the Arab world and Islamic lawmakers in the country.

The controversial bills&nbsp;will have to go through three further readings before they are enshrined.

Although the bills do not directly mention mosques, it has proposed that all religious places of worship in East Jerusalem and the rest of the country will be disallowed from using loudspeakers in urban areas between 11 pm and 7 am. That means mosques will not be able to give the first call to prayer at dawn.

The bills passed 55-48 and 55-47 in the Knesset, or parliament.

They were approved amid vociferous protests from Arab lawmakers, some of whom tore copies of the bills to mark their protest. They eventually had to be ejected from the parliament.

Proponents of the bills say they are simply to prevent places of worship from disturbing residents in the vicinity.

Motti Yogev of the far-right Jewish Home, said the proposal was &quot;a social law that aims to enable people to sleep&quot;.

&quot;Loudspeakers have not been here forever, and in recent decades there are alarm clocks for whoever wants to wake up for the mosque,&quot; he said.

Ahmad Tibi of the predominantly Arab Joint List alliance of lawmakers called the measure &quot;a racist act&quot;.

&quot;This is an important Muslim religious ceremony, and (the Knesset) has never intervened in a Jewish religious event,&quot; he said.

But it is not just Arabs and Muslims who have lambasted the bills.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin previously spoke against the move.

Government watchdog groups have called the measure an unnecessary provocation that threatens freedom of religion.

At Wednesday&#39;s debate, Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin said the new law was necessary since the existing rules set a low fine that causes police to disregard noise violations.

The new proposed law sets a fine of 10,000 shekels ($2,714, 2,573 euros) to transgressors.

In Jordan, the official custodian of Muslim holy sites in annexed east Jerusalem, Information Minister Mohamed Momani condemned the bills as &quot;discriminatory&quot;.

They were contrary to &quot;Israeli commitments under the peace accord&quot; that the Jewish state signed with Jordan in 1994, he said, quoted by the official news agency Petra.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Israel's attempt to muzzle mosques in the country has drawn condemnation from the Arab world and Islamic lawmakers in the country

Separate decrees to prohibit mosques from using loudspeakers and limiting the number of calls to prayers have received initial support in the Israeli parliament amid intense opposition from Arab lawmakers. Israel's attempt to muzzle mosques in the country has drawn condemnation from the Arab world and Islamic lawmakers in the country. The controversial bills will have to go through three further readings before they are enshrined. Although the bills do not directly mention mosques, it has proposed that all religious places of worship in East Jerusalem and the rest of the country will be disallowed from using loudspeakers in urban areas between 11 pm and 7 am. That means mosques will not be able to give the first call to prayer at dawn. The bills passed 55-48 and 55-47 in the Knesset, or parliament. They were approved amid vociferous protests from Arab lawmakers, some of whom tore copies of the bills to mark their protest. They eventually had to be ejected from the parliament. Proponents of the bills say they are simply to prevent places of worship from disturbing residents in the vicinity. Motti Yogev of the far-right Jewish Home, said the proposal was "a social law that aims to enable people to sleep". "Loudspeakers have not been here forever, and in recent decades there are alarm clocks for whoever wants to wake up for the mosque," he said. Ahmad Tibi of the predominantly Arab Joint List alliance of lawmakers called the measure "a racist act". "This is an important Muslim religious ceremony, and (the Knesset) has never intervened in a Jewish religious event," he said. But it is not just Arabs and Muslims who have lambasted the bills. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin previously spoke against the move. Government watchdog groups have called the measure an unnecessary provocation that threatens freedom of religion. At Wednesday's debate, Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin said the new law was necessary since the existing rules set a low fine that causes police to disregard noise violations. The new proposed law sets a fine of 10,000 shekels ($2,714, 2,573 euros) to transgressors. In Jordan, the official custodian of Muslim holy sites in annexed east Jerusalem, Information Minister Mohamed Momani condemned the bills as "discriminatory". They were contrary to "Israeli commitments under the peace accord" that the Jewish state signed with Jordan in 1994, he said, quoted by the official news agency Petra. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Israeli parliament gives initial nod to silence mosques

Britain cited &quot;reservations&quot; over Sunday&#39;s Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had &quot;particular reservations&quot; about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, &quot;just days before the transition to a new American president&quot;.

Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said.

The British refusal to send a high-level delegation to Paris was widely viewed as a sign of London&#39;s determination to stay close to Donald Trump&#39;s incoming administration.

Most major EU countries sent their foreign minister to the conference, but Britain&#39;s Boris Johnson did not attend.

The Foreign Office spokesman said Britain &quot;will... look forward to working with the parties, the new US administration and other countries represented in this conference to make progress in 2017 and beyond.&quot;

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Sunday that if Trump carried out his campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel to the contested city of Jerusalem, it would have &quot;extremely serious consequences&quot;.

The Palestinians have warned that such a move could seriously threaten their chances of obtaining an independent state.

(AFP)

Britain had attended the talks as an observer only

Britain cited "reservations" over Sunday's Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had "particular reservations" about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, "just days before the transition to a new American president". Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said. The British refusal to send a high-level delegation to Paris was widely viewed as a sign of London's determination to stay close to Donald Trump's incoming administration. Most major EU countries sent their foreign minister to the conference, but Britain's Boris Johnson did not attend. The Foreign Office spokesman said Britain "will... look forward to working with the parties, the new US administration and other countries represented in this conference to make progress in 2017 and beyond." French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Sunday that if Trump carried out his campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel to the contested city of Jerusalem, it would have "extremely serious consequences". The Palestinians have warned that such a move could seriously threaten their chances of obtaining an independent state. (AFP)

UK voices 'reservations' over Paris summit, refuses to sign statement

The Palestinians may consider &quot;reversing recognition&quot; of Israel&nbsp;if Donald Trump moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has said in an interview in&nbsp;French daily Le Figaro.

&quot;I wrote to president-elect Trump to ask him not to do it. Not only would this move deprive the United States of all legitimacy in playing a role in conflict resolution, it would also destroy the two-state solution,&quot; Abbas told the French daily.

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Trump - who takes office next Friday - has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. The move is bitterly opposed by Palestinians, who see it as a destructive and unilateral action as the status of the city is still contested. The United States and most UN member states do not recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, and the city&#39;s status is one of the thorniest issues of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel supports Trump&#39;s plan and has encouraged previous US presidents to take similar steps but to no avail.

&quot;If the embassy transfer takes place, there would be several options for us, and we would discuss them with Arab countries,&quot; Abbas said.&nbsp;&quot;Reversing our recognition of the State of Israel is one of them. But we hope that it doesn&#39;t reach that point, and that, on the contrary, we will be able to work with the next American administration,&quot; he added.

Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognised each other under the 1993 Oslo agreements. But the process which was supposed to deliver a lasting peace still hasn&#39;t happened so far. More than 70 countries meet in Paris on Sunday at a conference expected to reaffirm support for the &quot;two-state solution&quot; in which Palestinian and Israeli states would live side-by-side in peace and security.

The Paris meeting &quot;may be the last chance for implementing&quot; the two-state solution, Abbas warned.

On Monday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Abbas had written to Trump, warning an embassy move would have a &quot;disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region.&quot;

(AFP)

Trump has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv

The Palestinians may consider "reversing recognition" of Israel if Donald Trump moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has said in an interview in French daily Le Figaro. "I wrote to president-elect Trump to ask him not to do it. Not only would this move deprive the United States of all legitimacy in playing a role in conflict resolution, it would also destroy the two-state solution," Abbas told the French daily. Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognised each other under the 1993 Oslo agreements. But the process which was supposed to deliver a lasting peace still hasn't happened so far × Trump - who takes office next Friday - has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. The move is bitterly opposed by Palestinians, who see it as a destructive and unilateral action as the status of the city is still contested. The United States and most UN member states do not recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and the city's status is one of the thorniest issues of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel supports Trump's plan and has encouraged previous US presidents to take similar steps but to no avail. "If the embassy transfer takes place, there would be several options for us, and we would discuss them with Arab countries," Abbas said. "Reversing our recognition of the State of Israel is one of them. But we hope that it doesn't reach that point, and that, on the contrary, we will be able to work with the next American administration," he added. Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognised each other under the 1993 Oslo agreements. But the process which was supposed to deliver a lasting peace still hasn't happened so far. More than 70 countries meet in Paris on Sunday at a conference expected to reaffirm support for the "two-state solution" in which Palestinian and Israeli states would live side-by-side in peace and security. The Paris meeting "may be the last chance for implementing" the two-state solution, Abbas warned. On Monday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Abbas had written to Trump, warning an embassy move would have a "disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region." (AFP)

May reverse Israel recognition if Trump moves embassy: Abbas

The Palestinians may consider &quot;reversing recognition&quot; of Israel if Donald Trump moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said in an interview released by the French daily Le Figaro on Friday.

&quot;I wrote to president(-elect) Trump to ask him not to do it. Not only would this move deprive the United States of all legitimacy in playing a role in conflict resolution, it would also destroy the two-state solution,&quot; Abbas was quoted as saying.

Trump,&nbsp;who takes office next Friday,&nbsp;has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

The move is bitterly opposed by Palestinians, who see it as a destructive and unilateral action as the status of the city is still contested.

The United States and most UN member states do not recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, and the city&#39;s status is one of the thorniest issues of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel supports Trump&#39;s plan and has encouraged previous US presidents to take similar steps but to no avail.

If the embassy transfer takes place, &quot;there would be several options for us, and we would discuss them with Arab countries,&quot; Abbas said.

&quot;Reversing our recognition of the State of Israel is one of them. But we hope that it doesn&#39;t reach that point, and that, on the contrary, we will be able to work with the next American administration,&quot; he added.

Israel and the&nbsp;Palestine&nbsp;Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognised each other under the 1993 Oslo agreements. But the process which was supposed to deliver a lasting peace is moribund.

More than 70 countries meet in Paris on Sunday at a conference expected to reaffirm support for the &quot;two-state solution&quot; in which Palestinian and Israeli states would live side-by-side in peace and security.

The Paris meeting &quot;may be the last chance for implementing&quot; the two-state solution, Abbas warned.

On Monday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Abbas had written to Trump, warning an embassy move would have a &quot;disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region.&quot;

&nbsp;

(AFP)

Donald Trump has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv

The Palestinians may consider "reversing recognition" of Israel if Donald Trump moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said in an interview released by the French daily Le Figaro on Friday. "I wrote to president(-elect) Trump to ask him not to do it. Not only would this move deprive the United States of all legitimacy in playing a role in conflict resolution, it would also destroy the two-state solution," Abbas was quoted as saying. Trump, who takes office next Friday, has said he plans to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. The move is bitterly opposed by Palestinians, who see it as a destructive and unilateral action as the status of the city is still contested. The United States and most UN member states do not recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and the city's status is one of the thorniest issues of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel supports Trump's plan and has encouraged previous US presidents to take similar steps but to no avail. If the embassy transfer takes place, "there would be several options for us, and we would discuss them with Arab countries," Abbas said. "Reversing our recognition of the State of Israel is one of them. But we hope that it doesn't reach that point, and that, on the contrary, we will be able to work with the next American administration," he added. Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognised each other under the 1993 Oslo agreements. But the process which was supposed to deliver a lasting peace is moribund. More than 70 countries meet in Paris on Sunday at a conference expected to reaffirm support for the "two-state solution" in which Palestinian and Israeli states would live side-by-side in peace and security. The Paris meeting "may be the last chance for implementing" the two-state solution, Abbas warned. On Monday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa said Abbas had written to Trump, warning an embassy move would have a "disastrous impact on the peace process, on the two-state solution and on the stability and security of the entire region." (AFP)

May 'reverse' Israel recognition if Trump moves embassy: Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas

Israel recalled its ambassador to UNESCO for consultations Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, after a second resolution accused of denying the Jewish connection to Jerusalem.

&quot;The theatre of the absurd continues and I decided to recall our ambassador for consultation,&quot; Netanyahu said in a statement. &quot;We will decide what the next steps will be.&quot;

The Israeli ambassador to the UN body, Carmel Shama Hacohen, told public radio that &quot;we are studying the possibility of breaking all contact with UNESCO&quot;.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee earlier adopted a resolution on the &quot;Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls,&quot; saying it was &quot;deeply concerned&quot; by Israeli building works and archaeological excavations in the city.

The vote comes eight days after UNESCO&#39;s executive council backed a resolution on the same theme that infuriated Israel.

The resolution refers throughout to the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Al-Haram Al-Sharif religious complex, without using the Israeli name &quot;Temple Mount,&quot; according&nbsp;to a copy seen by AFP.

Despite what an Israeli official called long efforts to get the resolution amended or dropped, the heritage committee, made up of 21 member states, adopted the text proposed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Tunisia.

The 14-hectare (35-acre) rectangular esplanade at the southeastern corner of the Old City is the third holiest site in Islam and the most holy in Judaism. Jews who believe it to be the location of the ancient first and second temples, the latter of which was destroyed in 70 AD.

Senior Palestinian figure Saeb Erekat hailed the resolution&#39;s passing, saying it &quot;aims at reaffirming the importance of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.&quot;

&quot;Israel has been using archaeological claims and distortion of facts as a way to legitimise the annexation of occupied east Jerusalem,&quot; he added.

Israel occupied and later annexed Palestinian east Jerusalem in 1967 in a move never recognised by the international community.

Wednesday&#39;s resolution came on the same day Israeli archaeologists unveiled a 7th century BC text they said contains the earliest mention in Hebrew of Jerusalem outside the Bible.

The antiquities authority said the papyrus, found near the Dead Sea, proved that &quot;Jews were in this city 2,700 years ago.&quot;

Culture minister Miri Regev pounced on the find as an opportunity to attack UNESCO. She said the discovery was proof Jerusalem &quot;has been and will forever remain the eternal capital of the Jewish people&quot;.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Israel is considering breaking all contacts with UNESCO, after a resolution on the holy site in Jerusalem without referring 'Temple Mount'

Israel recalled its ambassador to UNESCO for consultations Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, after a second resolution accused of denying the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. "The theatre of the absurd continues and I decided to recall our ambassador for consultation," Netanyahu said in a statement. "We will decide what the next steps will be." The Israeli ambassador to the UN body, Carmel Shama Hacohen, told public radio that "we are studying the possibility of breaking all contact with UNESCO". The UNESCO World Heritage Committee earlier adopted a resolution on the "Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls," saying it was "deeply concerned" by Israeli building works and archaeological excavations in the city. The vote comes eight days after UNESCO's executive council backed a resolution on the same theme that infuriated Israel. The resolution refers throughout to the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Al-Haram Al-Sharif religious complex, without using the Israeli name "Temple Mount," according to a copy seen by AFP. Despite what an Israeli official called long efforts to get the resolution amended or dropped, the heritage committee, made up of 21 member states, adopted the text proposed by Kuwait, Lebanon and Tunisia. The 14-hectare (35-acre) rectangular esplanade at the southeastern corner of the Old City is the third holiest site in Islam and the most holy in Judaism. Jews who believe it to be the location of the ancient first and second temples, the latter of which was destroyed in 70 AD. Senior Palestinian figure Saeb Erekat hailed the resolution's passing, saying it "aims at reaffirming the importance of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam." "Israel has been using archaeological claims and distortion of facts as a way to legitimise the annexation of occupied east Jerusalem," he added. Israel occupied and later annexed Palestinian east Jerusalem in 1967 in a move never recognised by the international community. Wednesday's resolution came on the same day Israeli archaeologists unveiled a 7th century BC text they said contains the earliest mention in Hebrew of Jerusalem outside the Bible. The antiquities authority said the papyrus, found near the Dead Sea, proved that "Jews were in this city 2,700 years ago." Culture minister Miri Regev pounced on the find as an opportunity to attack UNESCO. She said the discovery was proof Jerusalem "has been and will forever remain the eternal capital of the Jewish people". (AFP)

Israel recalls ambassador after second UNESCO vote denying Jewish connection to Jerusalem

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Sunday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if elected, the United States would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the campaign said, marking a potential dramatic shift in US policy. 
 
During the meeting that lasted more than an hour at Trump Tower in New York, Trump told Netanyahu that under his administration, the United States would &quot;recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.&quot; 
 
While Israel calls Jerusalem its capital, few other countries accept that, including the United States. Most nations maintain embassies in Tel Aviv. 
 
The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war, as capital of the state they aim to establish alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 
 
Netanyahu held a separate meeting later on Sunday that lasted just under an hour with Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump&#39;s rival in the Nov. 8 U.S. election. 
 
Clinton emphasized her commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and her plan to take the relationship to the next level, according to a statement from her campaign. 
 
She also talked about her commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict &quot;that guarantees Israel&rsquo;s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders and provides the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity,&quot; according to the statement. 
 
&quot;Secretary Clinton reaffirmed her opposition to any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution, including by the U.N. Security Council,&quot; the statement said. 
 
During the meeting with Trump, the Republican candidate&#39;s campaign said he agreed with Netanyahu that peace in the Middle East could only be achieved when &quot;the Palestinians renounce hatred and violence and accept Israel as a Jewish State.&quot; 
 
The Trump campaign said he and Netanyahu discussed &quot;at length&quot; Israel&#39;s border fence, cited by Trump in reference to his own controversial immigration policies, which include building a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country. 
 
Other regional issues, including the fight against Islamic State, U.S. military assistance to Israel - &quot;an excellent investment&quot; - and the Iran nuclear deal, which both parties have criticized, were also discussed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Israel captured the Arab eastern half of Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Most countries do not recognise the annexation

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Sunday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if elected, the United States would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the campaign said, marking a potential dramatic shift in US policy. During the meeting that lasted more than an hour at Trump Tower in New York, Trump told Netanyahu that under his administration, the United States would "recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel." While Israel calls Jerusalem its capital, few other countries accept that, including the United States. Most nations maintain embassies in Tel Aviv. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war, as capital of the state they aim to establish alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Netanyahu held a separate meeting later on Sunday that lasted just under an hour with Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump's rival in the Nov. 8 U.S. election. Clinton emphasized her commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and her plan to take the relationship to the next level, according to a statement from her campaign. She also talked about her commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict "that guarantees Israel’s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders and provides the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity," according to the statement. "Secretary Clinton reaffirmed her opposition to any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution, including by the U.N. Security Council," the statement said. During the meeting with Trump, the Republican candidate's campaign said he agreed with Netanyahu that peace in the Middle East could only be achieved when "the Palestinians renounce hatred and violence and accept Israel as a Jewish State." The Trump campaign said he and Netanyahu discussed "at length" Israel's border fence, cited by Trump in reference to his own controversial immigration policies, which include building a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country. Other regional issues, including the fight against Islamic State, U.S. military assistance to Israel - "an excellent investment" - and the Iran nuclear deal, which both parties have criticized, were also discussed. (Reuters)

Trump tells Netanyahu he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital

Israeli police said they had detected a new plot against Jerusalem&#39;s Gay Pride march held today, a year after an ultra-Orthodox Jew killed a teenager and stabbed five other people. 
 
Police said they suspected the man behind the attack on last year&#39;s march, Yishai Shlissel, had been in contact with his brother from prison about an assault on this year&#39;s parade. Shlissel&#39;s brother, Michael, was arrested and was being held in police custody as the march got underway. 
 
Police said in a statement they uncovered information that &quot;Yishai Shlissel had planned, with his brother Michael Schlissel, to attack march participants&quot;. 
 
Twelve people were also arrested as marchers were gathering, police said, including two who were carrying knives. There was no indication they were linked to Shlissel.&nbsp;The alleged plot revealed hours before the march raised fresh concerns, with hundreds of Israeli police already deploying in Jerusalem to protect participants. 
 
Shira Banki, 16, was killed at the march in July last year after she was attacked at random along with five others by Shlissel, who is now serving a life sentence. 
 
Shlissel had spent ten years in jail after a similar attack on the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride march and had been released just three weeks before last years event, leading to criticism of police. 
 
This year they increased the number of officers, with up to 2,000 reportedly being deployed. Thursdays march began at around 6pm (1500 GMT), with thousands gathering in central Jerusalem, waving Israeli and rainbow flags. 
 
All marchers were inspected before joining, with many pre-registering, while carrying a weapon of any kind was prohibited, police said. 
 
Public security minister Gilad Erdan attended, saying he &quot;came here for this march of tolerance to show our solidarity&quot;. 
 
Last year, around 5,000 people marched, and organisers expected a higher turnout this year.&nbsp;The participants were to walk past the site where Banki was murdered, and her parents were to address the crowd at the end of the march. 
 
Tom Canning, one of the organisers who himself narrowly avoided being stabbed last year, said he was satisfied with the security steps taken by police. 
 
&quot;I think the police got a big blow from what happened last year,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;This year the entire security plan has been in planning for the last three months and is being managed by the highest ranks of the police.&quot; Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community. 
 
The annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is however far smaller than the one held in nearby Tel Aviv.&nbsp;Tel Avivs parade typically attracts tens of thousands of people to what is considered one of the world&#39;s most gay-friendly cities, while Jerusalem is far less welcoming to homosexuals. 
 
The march came at a difficult time for Israel&#39;s LGBT community, with an alleged homophobe recently nominated as the army&#39;s chief rabbi. 
 
The military named Colonel Eyal Karim as its chief rabbi, despite him having allegedly referred to gay people as &quot;sick and disabled&quot;. 
 
A Gay Pride march in the southern city of Beersheba was also cancelled by organisers last week after the high court agreed with police that it could not go through the city&#39;s main thoroughfare due to security threats. 
 
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat drew the ire of many in the gay community for announcing he would not attend Thursday&#39;s march in part because it &quot;offends the (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) public and the national-religious public&quot;. 
 
Imri Kalmann, co-chair of Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, was scathing in his criticism.&nbsp;&quot;I think it is cowardice. He is not doing it because this is his opinion. He is doing it because he wants to please voters,&quot; he said. 
 
(AFP)

Twelve were arrested including two with knives as marchers gathered. The alleged plot revealed hours before saw hundreds of police deployed

Israeli police said they had detected a new plot against Jerusalem's Gay Pride march held today, a year after an ultra-Orthodox Jew killed a teenager and stabbed five other people. Police said they suspected the man behind the attack on last year's march, Yishai Shlissel, had been in contact with his brother from prison about an assault on this year's parade. Shlissel's brother, Michael, was arrested and was being held in police custody as the march got underway. Police said in a statement they uncovered information that "Yishai Shlissel had planned, with his brother Michael Schlissel, to attack march participants". Twelve people were also arrested as marchers were gathering, police said, including two who were carrying knives. There was no indication they were linked to Shlissel. The alleged plot revealed hours before the march raised fresh concerns, with hundreds of Israeli police already deploying in Jerusalem to protect participants. Shira Banki, 16, was killed at the march in July last year after she was attacked at random along with five others by Shlissel, who is now serving a life sentence. Shlissel had spent ten years in jail after a similar attack on the 2005 Jerusalem Gay Pride march and had been released just three weeks before last years event, leading to criticism of police. This year they increased the number of officers, with up to 2,000 reportedly being deployed. Thursdays march began at around 6pm (1500 GMT), with thousands gathering in central Jerusalem, waving Israeli and rainbow flags. All marchers were inspected before joining, with many pre-registering, while carrying a weapon of any kind was prohibited, police said. Public security minister Gilad Erdan attended, saying he "came here for this march of tolerance to show our solidarity". Last year, around 5,000 people marched, and organisers expected a higher turnout this year. The participants were to walk past the site where Banki was murdered, and her parents were to address the crowd at the end of the march. Tom Canning, one of the organisers who himself narrowly avoided being stabbed last year, said he was satisfied with the security steps taken by police. "I think the police got a big blow from what happened last year," he said. "This year the entire security plan has been in planning for the last three months and is being managed by the highest ranks of the police." Israel has long had by far the most liberal approach to homosexuality in the Middle East, compared to its Arab neighbours, with a large and influential gay community. The annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is however far smaller than the one held in nearby Tel Aviv. Tel Avivs parade typically attracts tens of thousands of people to what is considered one of the world's most gay-friendly cities, while Jerusalem is far less welcoming to homosexuals. The march came at a difficult time for Israel's LGBT community, with an alleged homophobe recently nominated as the army's chief rabbi. The military named Colonel Eyal Karim as its chief rabbi, despite him having allegedly referred to gay people as "sick and disabled". A Gay Pride march in the southern city of Beersheba was also cancelled by organisers last week after the high court agreed with police that it could not go through the city's main thoroughfare due to security threats. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat drew the ire of many in the gay community for announcing he would not attend Thursday's march in part because it "offends the (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) public and the national-religious public". Imri Kalmann, co-chair of Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, was scathing in his criticism. "I think it is cowardice. He is not doing it because this is his opinion. He is doing it because he wants to please voters," he said. (AFP)

'New plot' against Jerusalem Gay Pride one year after attack

An Israeli court today sentenced an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man to life in prison for stabbing participants at a Jerusalem Gay Pride parade, killing a 16-year-old girl and wounding others. 
 
The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings. He was sentenced to life plus 31 years, a court statement said. 
 
The incident triggered harsh criticism of the police when it emerged that Schlissel had been released from prison only three weeks earlier after serving a 10-year sentence for a similar attack. 
 
He had also posted a letter on the Internet speaking of the &quot;abomination&quot; of a Gay Pride parade being held in the Holy City and the need to stop it, even at the cost of one`s life. 
 
Many questioned how Schlissel, 40, when he was convicted, was allowed anywhere near the parade, which saw thousands marching through central Jerusalem. 
 
Witnesses described terrifying scenes of Schlissel, dressed in the dark suit worn by ultra-Orthodox Jews, storming the parade with a knife. 
 
(AFP)

The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings

An Israeli court today sentenced an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man to life in prison for stabbing participants at a Jerusalem Gay Pride parade, killing a 16-year-old girl and wounding others. The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings. He was sentenced to life plus 31 years, a court statement said. The incident triggered harsh criticism of the police when it emerged that Schlissel had been released from prison only three weeks earlier after serving a 10-year sentence for a similar attack. He had also posted a letter on the Internet speaking of the "abomination" of a Gay Pride parade being held in the Holy City and the need to stop it, even at the cost of one`s life. Many questioned how Schlissel, 40, when he was convicted, was allowed anywhere near the parade, which saw thousands marching through central Jerusalem. Witnesses described terrifying scenes of Schlissel, dressed in the dark suit worn by ultra-Orthodox Jews, storming the parade with a knife. (AFP)

Jewish man who stabbed Jerusalem Gay Pride marchers sentenced to life

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