7th extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference of the OIC held in Istanbul, Turkey on 18 May 2018
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday warned Australia of “grave consequences” of relocating the country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Jeddah-based body called on Canberra “not to take such an illegal step, which constitutes a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions”.
OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said Jerusalem is part of Palestinian land occupied by Israel in 1967.
“[OIC] rejects any action or attempt that would prejudice the legal status of the occupied city of Jerusalem,” he said in the statement.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s signal that he was considering the relocation of the Australian Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.“Considering this issue [moving the embassy] is against international law and UN resolutions," the ministry said in a statement.“[This move] hinders the achievement of peace and encourages Israel not to sit down and negotiate with the Palestinians,” it warned.Morrison said that he was “open to” relocating his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.Israeli policewoman shot Palestinian for ‘fun’“We’re committed to a two-state solution, but frankly, it hasn’t been going that well,” Morrison said. “Not a lot of progress has been made. And you don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.”Morrison said the idea was suggested to him by former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma, who is a candidate for the ruling conservative Liberal Party in a by-election Saturday in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population.In December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city the capital of Israel.Australia's shift in Israel policy could hurt ties with Arab nations, Egypt envoy saysEver since, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any U.S. role in the stumbling Middle East peace process.Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Palestine slams Australia’s Jerusalem embassy move
He went on to call on Australia to support the two-state solution with a view to achieving peace and promoting regional and world security.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that he was “open to” relocating his country’s embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the city as the capital of Israel.
“We’re committed to a two-state solution, but frankly, it hasn’t been going that well,” Morrison said. “Not a lot of progress has been made. And you don’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.”
Morrison said the idea was suggested to him by former Australian ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma, who is a candidate for the ruling conservative Liberal Party in a by-election Saturday in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population.
Ambassadors from 13 Arab countries met in Canberra on Tuesday, concerned that Australia's move to consider recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital could damage peace prospects there, Egypt's ambassador said.Earlier on Tuesday, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the unexpected announcement that he was "open minded" about recognising Jerusalem and possibly moving Australia's embassy there.That prompted the 13 ambassadors to call a meeting in the Australian capital, Mohamed Khairat, Egypt's ambassador to Australia told Reuters by telephone."We have agreed that we will send a letter to the foreign minister expressing our worries and our concern about such a statement," he said."Any decision like that might damage the peace process ... this will have very negative implications on the relations between Australia and not only Arab countries but many other (Islamic countries) as well." Palestine thanks Indonesia for support to causeIsrael arrests four activists in E. J'lem Bedouin hamletDozens hurt as Israeli army shuts West Bank school
Australia's shift in Israel policy could hurt ties with Arab nations, Egypt envoy says
In December, U.S. President Donald Trump triggered world outcry after unveiling plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city as the capital of Israel.
Ever since, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah has rejected any U.S. role in the stumbling Middle East peace process.
Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.