UN votes on U.S.’ recognition of Jerusalem status

The United Nations Security Council will on Monday vote on a draft resolution that the recognition of Jerusalem as Capital of Israel has no legal effect.

The resolution if passed will insist the the recognition of Jerusalem by U.S. President Donald Trump be rescinded.

The one-page Egyptian-drafted text, which was circulated to the 15-member council on Saturday, does not specifically mention the United States or Trump.

Diplomats say it has broad support but will likely be vetoed by Washington.

The United States on December 6th recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced that it will begin the process of moving its embassy there.

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” , US President Donald Trump said, marking a major shift in US policy that observers fear could inflame regional tensions.

Trump stressed that he still seeks peace between the Israelis and Palestinians and would still support a two-state solution as part of a lasting peace agreement.

“The US remains deeply committed to helping facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both sides,” he said. “I intend to do everything in my power to help forge such an agreement.”

The recognition has sparked pockets of protests and threats of unleashing terror on the World by terrorist group Hamas while many Islamic nations have called on the U.S. to rescind its decision.

Arab foreign ministers met in Cairo, Egypt recently to discuss the the decision of the U.S. while other leaders and senior officials from Muslim countries are expected to hold an extraordinary summit today in Istanbul, Turkey

Meanwhile, Isreal says it has tightened security in Gaza and the country. President Netanyahu said that the nation would not succumb to any threats arising from the recognition of the new capital.

Jerusalem is holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Israel captured East Jerusalem from Arab forces in the 1967 Middle East War and later annexed it in a move not recognized internationally.

Palestinians hope that part of the city will be the capital of a future independent state and Palestinian leaders say Trump’s move is a serious blow to an already moribund peace process.