Biden considering visit to occupied East Jerusalem
JERUSALEM – US President Joe Biden is considering a visit to occupied East Jerusalem during his upcoming visit to Israel in June, according to an Israeli official.
The official said Biden would possibly visit Al Makassed Hospital in the city, although the plans are not yet to be finalized.
If confirmed, the visit is likely to cause a controversy as it would be seen by Israel as a sign of support to the Palestinians, who want the city as the capital of their future state.
There was no comment from either US or Israeli officials on the report.
No US president has ever visited occupied East Jerusalem in the past.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. East Jerusalem houses the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, which is the third holiest place in Islam and is seen by Jews as the site for the Temple Mount is located. Israel illegally annexed the entire city in 1980, in contravention of international law and UN resolutions. The controversial move was never recognized by the international community.
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) has said Biden’s visit to East Jerusalem will mean that the city is “divided” and that Israel’s sovereignty over the city is not recognized by the Biden administration.
During his visit, Biden is expected to meet with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and President Isaac Herzog. He will also meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
