Recognition of Jerusalem as The Capital of Israel

On December 6 2017, the President of USA, Donald Trump officially declared the Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced to shift the USA embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem which has become a major topic for debate. By this declaration, Mr.Trump broke the history long policy of the USA on Jerusalem. A few countries supported the move of the USA President but most countries have opposed the decision of the USA President as the Jerusalem is the disputed city between Israel and Palestine and such decision would exacerbate the situation. The Prime Minister of the Israel appreciated the step taken by USA President but at the same time, the decision has raised anger among the Muslim nations. Aftermath of the announcement was seen as protest and demonstrations by Palestinians at Gaza Strip and West Bank. At United Nation Security Council, a motion was proposed condemning the move of the USA but it was vetoed by the USA after a 14-1vote. Later United Nation General Assembly passed a motion with 128 to 9 votes condemning the decision.

Jerusalem is the land of holy sites of three Abrahamic religions i.e. Islam, Christianism and Judaism and all this three religious sites are located at one place of Jerusalem within diameter of 1Km which makes city prone to fights between the people of different religion. Al-Aqsa mosque is the sacred place of the Muslims and in Islam, it is said that the previous Prophets were associated with city and Prophet Muhammad visited the city in the nocturnal journey. For Christians, Jerusalem is the city where Jesus was brought as a child and he preached and healed in the city’s Temple courts. Jews worship the Western wall at Jerusalem and it is the holiest place in the Judaism. Both Israel and Palestine claim their rule on the Jerusalem city and both countries have disputes over the same city from a very long time. Presently, no nation has their embassy at Jerusalem and all the embassy of different nations are situated at Tel Aviv city of Israel.

Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel capital by Mr.Trump will lead to major outbreak in the region. As announcement is made by such powerful nation, other countries will also follow the path of the USA and they will also recognise the Jerusalem as the Israel capital. The move will give strength to Mr. Netanyahu government’s claim over the city. At the same time, it showed the policy of Mr. Trump against the Muslims and has given a reason for anger among Muslim nations. The leader of the Muslim nations and European nations condemned the decision and gave the warning that it will raise tension in the city between the people and government. Most of the countries demanded firstly the dispute between the two nations on Jerusalem need to be solved by diplomatic talks and then they must shift their embassy to the city.

India’s move on the matter is independent and Indian foreign ministry’s spokesman Raveesh Kumar said that India’s position on Palestine is independent and consistent. It is shaped by our views and interests, and not determined by any third country. India voted against the USA decision at UN general assembly. The peace in the region may get affected by this change and may lead to violent clashes between the people and government.