Demonstrators demand closure of US offices in Palestine

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Dozens of Palestinians on Wednesday called for the closure of U.S. offices in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in protest against the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

At a Wednesday demonstration in the West Bank city of Ramallah held outside America House (which is affiliated with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem), protesters waved Palestinian flags and banners condemning U.S. Middle East policy.

They also called for the expulsion of U.S. representatives from Palestine and for the closure of all U.S. offices and institutions.

“We are here today to voice our rejection of the U.S. decision on occupied Jerusalem,” Essam Abu Baker, coordinator of the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces in Ramallah, told Anadolu Agency on the demonstration’s sidelines.

“Today we stand outside America House 100 days after the ‘Trump Declaration’ [that recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital],” Abu Baker said.

"We will not abandon our demand that U.S. institutions be expelled from Palestine,” he added.

The Palestinian territories have remained tense since Dec. 6, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The move drew widespread condemnation from across the region and sparked angry protests in the Palestinian territories -- and numerous clashes with Israeli troops -- that have left 25 Palestinians dead.

Affiliated with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, America House was established in Ramallah in 2010 with the stated aim of promoting U.S. culture.