Abbas says Jerusalem is Palestine's 'eternal capital'

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said US President Donald Trump’s decision to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem constitutes a “withdrawal” by Washington from its role as a mediator in the peace process.

Abbas described the move as a “reward” to Israel for its violation of international agreements and UN Security Council resolutions.

He said Trump’s decision will encourage Israel to continue its policies of “occupation, settlement-building, apartheid and ethnic cleansing”.

Abbas also called Jerusalem “the eternal capital of the Palestinian state”.