Trump’s declaration “adds insult to ongoing injury and is practically guaranteed to fan the flames of violence,” argue scholars
By Julia Conley | 8 December 2017
COMMON DREAMS — As protests and violence intensified in the Middle East on Friday in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to flout international law and recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel earlier this week, more than 120 Jewish studies scholars from universities across the United States condemned the move and urged the Trump administration to take responsibility for the fallout.
“A declaration from the United States government that appears to endorse sole Jewish proprietorship over Jerusalem adds insult to ongoing injury and is practically guaranteed to fan the flames of violence,” wrote the scholars in their petition.
At least one Palestinian protester has been killed in the demonstrations that followed Wednesday’s announcement. The Israeli military launched air strikes on Gaza as Palestinians took part in a “day of rage,” called for by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. At least 25 people were injured in the air strikes, including six children.
The Jewish studies scholars called on the U.S. government “to take immediate steps to deescalate the tensions resulting from the President’s declaration and to clarify Palestinians’ legitimate stake in the future of Jerusalem.” […]
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