The US on Monday vetoed a draft UN resolution that would have rejected President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Beit-ul-Moqaddas (Jerusalem) as Israel’s capital, further isolating itself from the international community.
All 14 other Security Council members backed the measure including US allies Britain, France, Italy, Japan and Ukraine, Arab News reported.
While making no specific mention of the US or Trump, the draft UN resolution affirmed “that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered, the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council”.
The draft also called upon all countries to refrain from establishing diplomatic missions in the holy city.
The US veto has caused strong reactions among the Arab and Muslim world.
A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas slammed the veto saying it was “unacceptable and threatens the stability of the international community because it disrespects it.”
Nabil Abu Rudeina called the veto a mockery of the international community and a concession to Israeli occupation and aggression. Palestinian group Hamas issued a statement declaring Beit-ul-Moqaddas as Palestine’s eternal capital, and called upon the international community to act for its protection.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed regret in a written statement.
“Egypt is saddened by the veto of this important decision which heeds the conscience of the international community and openly rejects US recognition of Beit-ul-Moqaddas as the capital of Israel.”
Turkey’s deputy prime minister Bekir Bozdag also criticized the US veto, describing it as “historically meaningful” that the US was left alone and facing 14 members.
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