President Donald Trump has announced that the US now recognises Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital, overturning decades of official US policy.<\/p>\n
Mr Trump described the move as \u201ca long overdue step\u201d to advance the Middle East peace process.<\/p>\n
The president said the US would support a two-state solution, if approved by both the Israelis and the Palestinians.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the decision, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of \u201cdangerous consequences\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the White House, Mr Trump said he had \u201cjudged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians\u201d.<\/p>\n
The president said he was directing the US state department to begin preparations to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.<\/p>\n
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a historic day, and Israel was profoundly grateful to President Trump.<\/p>\n
Jerusalem contains sites sacred to the three major monotheistic faiths.<\/p>\n
East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, was annexed by Israel after the Six Day War of 1967, but is not internationally recognised as part of Israel.<\/p>\n
The US decision comes despite the opposition in the Muslim world, even among US allies.<\/p>\n
But moving the embassy fulfils a campaign promise and appeals to Mr Trump\u2019s right-wing base.<\/p>\n
Recognising Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital was \u201cnothing more or less than a recognition of reality\u201d, the president said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also the right thing to do,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He called on all parties to \u201cmaintain the status quo at Jerusalem\u2019s holy sites, including the Temple Mount\/Haram al-Sharif\u201d.<\/p>\n
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Source: BBC<\/p>\n
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