Yildirim calls for Muslim unity on Jerusalem

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Monday called on Muslim countries to unite against the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

“Palestinians are never alone against this unfair, unlawful and arrogant decision,” he told parliament.

“Islamic countries should move in unity against the U.S. move.”

He said Turkey would not recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital “until the solution between Palestine and Israel.”

U.S President Donald Trump’s announcement last week to recognize Jerusalem and move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv sparked demonstrations across the Muslim world.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.