14 Palestinians martyred since 'Trump Declaration': PM

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - At least 14 Palestinians have been martyred since U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last December, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Monday.

According to Hamdallah, the 14 were killed by live ammunition or died in Israeli custody due to Israel’s intentional policy of medical negligence.

He went on to assert that as many as 1,200 Palestinians --- including more than 300 minors -- had been detained by the Israeli authorities over the same period.

“We maintain our historical right to live in a sovereign state established on pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital,” the prime minister said, reiterating the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to a “two-state solution”.

Trump’s decision on Jerusalem, he added, had effectively given Israel a “green light” to continue its abuses against the Palestinian people.

On Dec. 6 of last year, the U.S. president recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking condemnation and protest across the Arab and Muslim world.

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 a Palestinian state.