The Palestinian National Authority has called for consultations with its ambassador to Brazil for the opening of a commercial office in Jerusalem

The Palestinian National Authority has condemned the Brazilian government's decision to open a commercial office in Jerusalem, a decision announced during Jair Bolsonaro's visit to deepen ties with Israel while avoiding problems in the area. Arab countries, in full conflict the recognition of the holy city.

"The ministry will contact the Palestinian ambbadador to Brazil for consultations, in order to take appropriate decisions to deal with this situation.", said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

In addition, they described the Brazilian decision as a "flagrant violation of international authorities and their resolutions and direct aggression against our people and their rights"

Shortly after, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, announced on his social networks that Brazil will open "a diplomatic headquarters"In Jerusalem, Bolsonaro has described that he would have commercial character "to promote trade, investment, technology and innovation".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the decision and considered that this could be "the first step" for a future Brazilian embbady in Jerusalem.

The Brazilian president promised in the election campaign to move the diplomatic legation of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following the steps of the United States and against the international consensus, but there would be ceded by the opposition on the part of his executive, which fears the distancing of the Arab countries with which it has close commercial ties for the sale of halal meat (authorized by the Islamic law for consumption).

The Brazilian president has no agenda with the Palestinian side. On Monday, the Brazilian leader will visit the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, the most sacred temple of Christianity, and the Wailing Wall, the most sacred place of worship for Jews, located in the old city, in the east. of occupied Jerusalem, and that his office was integrated into the program as part of his official stay in Israel, which provoked protests from the Palestine Liberation Organization.

(With information from EFE and AFP)