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Palestinians were shocked and dismayed by Australia's suggestion to move its embassy to Jerusalem.
Key points:
- Morrison uses short-term national considerations to shape foreign policy, senior Palestinian official said
- The decision arouses surprise and disgust in the Arab neighborhood near the old city of Jerusalem
- According to Israeli media, Australia recognizes that East Jerusalem could be the future Palestinian capital
While Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that this measure could advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Palestinian representatives said that Australia's action would sabotage it.
A senior Palestinian official, Nabil Shaath, said Morrison appeared to use short-term domestic political considerations to shape his foreign policy.
"Politically, it destroys the chances of peace," said Shaath.
"It does not really help, [but] this could increase the government's chances of winning Wentworth in Australia.
"If that 's how you do politics in the Middle East, in order to win a by – election in Australia, please, let me be very negative about it. the policy of this Australian Government. "
There are ongoing conflicts over the status of East Jerusalem, the part of the city seized by Israeli forces in 1967 and considered by the United Nations to have been under military occupation ever since.
The UN has denounced the construction of settlements in the city and is trying to change its demographic composition, that is to say to move more Jews to Arab neighborhoods and to move Arab residents.
The decision evokes surprise and disgust
In Silwan, the Arab neighborhood near the Old City of Jerusalem, where recent Jewish settlers and long-time Arab residents co-habit uncomfortably, this decision sparked surprise and disgust.
Jawad Syiam manages the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan, which monitors the movement of Jewish settlers in Arab neighborhoods.
"Australia has always given the impression of being neutral, which was acceptable to the Palestinians," Syiam said.
"But now we see Australia following the devil, Donald Trump.
"So it's a very stupid decision on the part of a country that wanted to stay away from any attack, any problem."
Sahar Abbasi, a resident of Silwan, said that Australia must recognize that the Arabs of East Jerusalem – who were for the most part "residents" rather than full citizens of Israel – were facing permanent discrimination.
"Do not forget that it is a busy territory, do not forget the people who are occupied on this land and we are Palestinians.In fact, lately, we are totally ignored, as if we do not exist, "said Ms. Abbasi. .
While the Israeli government welcomed the Prime Minister's comments, the reaction in Israel has been mild, with the Israeli media noting that a statement by the Australian government acknowledged that East Jerusalem could be the capital of a country. future Palestinian state.
Former Israeli diplomat Lior Weintraub, today vice president of the organization for the defense of rights, The Israel Project, said it was one of the most sensitive subject in Israel.
"Recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, I think, is very natural and placing the embassy – if you want to avoid controversy – in a place where any peace agreement will be part of Israel, is the right approach, "said Weintraub. I said.
"Recognize the West and the East and start talking about borders, it's very sensitive and delicate, especially in times when unfortunately, this path (the peace process) is in a bind and where no discussion takes place. "
In 1980, Israel passed a law stating that the entire city of Jerusalem was the "full and united" capital of the country.
This was denounced by the United Nations Security Council, which stated that the law violated previous UN resolutions.
Topics:
world politics,
Government and politics,
elections,
federal government,
Occupied Palestinian Territory,
Israel,
Australia
First posted
