‘Respect special status of Jerusalem’ In a statement, the State of Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said this included the right to self-determination, in their capital.

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

The State of Palestine has reaffirmed that respecting the special status of Jerusalem is an integral part of the universally recognised rights of the Palestinian people and that no country should open diplomatic offices in Jerusalem or move its embassy to Jerusalem.

In a statement, the State of Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said this included the right to self-determination, in their capital.

“The international community’s position on Jerusalem is clear: Israel has no rightful claim or sovereignty over Jerusalem, including occupied East Jerusalem, its old city and its holy sites.

“Israel has no authority to engage in diplomatic relations or invite states to open diplomatic offices in any part of the city.

“Since 1947, the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly have conclusively and authoritatively determined the international legal status of Jerusalem, the obligations of states to uphold this status, and the illegality of relocating embassies and diplomatic offices to Jerusalem,” said Palestine.

The International Court of Justice reaffirmed the legal fact once more in its advisory opinion of July 9, 2004.

It said Israel’s presence in Jerusalem was that of a belligerent occupying power and an established and unassailable legal fact that infers legal, political, and moral obligations on all states, especially permanent members of the security council.

“Accordingly, opening an embassy in Jerusalem, or establishing a mission on the basis of diplomatic relations with Israel, the occupying power, in any part of Jerusalem, is a de facto and de jure recognition of Israel’s ongoing and unlawful actions.

“It also amounts to complicity in Israel’s illegal annexation of the city and relentless attempts to assert sovereignty, including through war crimes of forcible displacements, demolitions, and control over holy sites. 

“In this connection, the State of Palestine affirms that it will pursue all available legal, diplomatic, and political measures to ensure that Jerusalem and its status are protected.”

Under President Trump the US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and there is pressure in some other countries to do the same.

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