Muslim World Should Recognize Al Quds as Palestine Capital

Addressing the summit of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Erdogan condemned the “violence shown by Israel” and extended condolences to the martyrs who have fallen protecting the State of Palestine.

He called on Muslims around the world to visit the Temple Mount in Al-Quds (Jerusalem), which he called the “red line” in the conflict with Israel, APP reported.

Turkey’s foreign minister also urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to encourage other countries worldwide to recognize East Jerusalem (East al-Quds) as the capital of Palestine based on the 1967 borders.

“We, who recognize Eastern Jerusalem (Eastern al-Quds) as the capital of Palestine, should encourage other countries to recognize East Jerusalem (East al-Quds) as Palestine’s capital on the basis of the 1967 borders,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a speech to his counterparts at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Istanbul, where Anadolu Agency is the official host photographer.

“We’ve gathered here in order to stop the persecution. The US has deeply wounded humanity’s conscience. Israel is aiming to legitimize its occupation attempt. This US decision is null and void for us,” he said

“Let’s protect Jerusalem (al-Quds), which is a holy site for the three Abrahamic religions,” he said. “Palestine needs to be recognized by other countries.”

“We should encourage [countries] to recognize East Jerusalem (East al-Quds) as the capital,” but not only by saying that it is the capital, but by following through with action, he stressed.

“Today’s extraordinary summit will show the struggle of the Islamic Ummah,” or community, he added.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced his decision — despite widespread opposition across the Middle East — to formally recognize Jerusalem (al-Quds) as Israel’s capital.

The announcement sparked strong condemnation from around the world, including Turkey, the EU and the UN.

Jerusalem (al-Quds) remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem (East al-Quds) — now occupied by Israel — might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

During his election campaign last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (al-Quds).