Trump’s decision won’t change Jerusalem’s Arabism: Awqaf min

CAIRO – 8 December 2017: The Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision regarding relocating the U.S. embassy and recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel does not change the reality of its Arabism.

He added during his Friday sermon that Jerusalem has always been an Arabian city, as it always will be. Gomaa demanded that international governments unite against the ‘traitors’ and express a fixed and firm stance towards the Palestinian cause.

He also stated that provoking Muslims will not serve the peace process in the world; “on the contrary, it will generate hatred, darkness, extremism and terrorism,” Gomaa stated.

Gomaa’s statements coincided with the “day of rage” announced by Palestinians as a response to the American declaration. Several protests broke out in the early morning in Jerusalem along with other Arabian cities and capitals around the Islamic and Arab world.

Protestors were spotted in Egypt, Iraq, Jordon, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

During his speech on Wednesday, Trump expected disagreement and international protest; however he claimed that the step was taken as a new approach towards achieving peace.

“There will, of course, be disagreement and dissent regarding this announcement. But we are confident that ultimately, as we work through these disagreements, we will arrive at peace and a place far greater in understanding and cooperation,” he stated.