Trump warned of violence spike if Jerusalem recognised as Israel's capital

Any move by the United States to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital would fuel extremism and violence, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday.

He spoke a day after a senior American administration official said US President Donald Trump was likely to make the announcement next week.

The Palestinians want Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, and the international community does not recognise Israel's claim on all of the city, home to sites holy to the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions.

Word of Trump's planned announcement, which would deviate from previous US presidents who have insisted the Jerusalem's status must be decided in negotiations, has already drawn criticism from the Palestinian Authority.

'Today we say very clearly that taking such action is not justified ... It will not serve peace or stability, but will fuel extremism and resort to violence,' Aboul Gheit said in a statement published on the Arab league's website.

'It only benefits one side; the Israeli government that is hostile to peace,' he added. 

It comes after a number of reports that suggested Trump would immenently follow up on a campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel from its internationally recognised capital in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

News
The story of New Year’s resolutions
The story of New Year’s resolutions

1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …

Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.