US allies round on Donald Trump over Jerusalem move, saying it could plunge Middle East into 'chaos'

Protests broke out over US President Donald Trump's move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital
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US allies have rounded on Donald Trump, saying his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital risks plunging the Middle East into “violence and chaos”.

In a statement from 22 countries, including close US allies, said Mr Trump had withdrawn the country as a “sponsor and broker” of any possible Israeli-Palestinian peace process through its decision.

The move, made by the US president this week, ended US neutrality on one of the region's most sensitive issues.

The Arab League resolution was agreed in the early hours of Sunday, after hours of talks in Cairo.

It was backed by several US allies, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Donald Trump delivered a statement on Jerusalem from the White House on Wednesday
AFP/Getty Images

It comes after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, where the US found itself isolated with the other 14 members all condemning Mr Trump's declaration.

But US ambassador Nikki Haley accused the UN of bias, saying it "has outrageously been one of the world's foremost centres of hostility towards Israel", adding that the US was still committed to finding peace.

Protests erupted across the Middle East after Mr Trump made the historic and highly controversial move on Wednesday.

In a ground-breaking speech at the White House, the president ended decades of US neutrality on Jerusalem and promised to relocate the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

The move sparked fury among Palestinians, who immediately took to the streets in protest at a decision that they claim shatters hopes for peace in the war-torn region.

Defying worldwide warnings, Mr Trump insisted that after repeated peace failures it was time for a new approach.

"We cannot solve our problems by making the same failed assumptions and repeating the same failed strategies of the past," he said.

A host of cross-party politicians and Lords this week also condemned the president’s “provocative” announcement.

Indonesian Muslim activists hold pro-Palestinian placards during a protest against US President Donald J. Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel
EPA

The group of 90 signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson expressing their concern over Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

They called on Britain to pave the way for a two state solution to the conflict after the President’s historic announcement sparked protests in Gaza and around the world.

Labour's Richard Burden, chairman of the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group who organised the letter, said: "Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and there has long been consensus amongst the international community that the city's status can only be settled fairly through negotiations.

"President Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem is provocative, it undermines the ability of the US to credibly broker talks between Israel and Palestine and it will only fan the flames of conflict at a time when international efforts should be focused on reducing tension, upholding the rule of law and promoting peace.

"We are calling for the UK to show leadership in the pursuit and facilitation of a just and sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine with Jerusalem as a shared capital of both states.

"The UK must demonstrate in deeds as well as words that respect for international law and a commitment to equal rights for both Palestinians and Israelis must be cornerstones of a new UK pro-activity and leadership to achieve peace.

"We believe it is in the best interests of pursuing peace, for the UK to now recognise the State of Palestine."

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