US isolated at UN in emergency meeting on Jerusalem

The US has condemned the United Nations for undermining prospects for peace in the Middle East, after many countries opposed its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

US Ambassador to the United Nations at a meeting on December 8. Photo: AP.

Some of America's oldest allies turned their backs on Washington's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on December 8, according to VOA.

British Ambassador to the United NationsMatthew Rycroft says the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations between Israel and Palestine."We disagree with the US decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem and unilaterally recognize it as the capital of Israel before a final agreement," he said.Rycroft said.

French Ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said that the US President's decision carries the risk of political conflict, which could turn into irreparable religious conflict.

Several members of the Security Council have criticized the Trump administration’s decision, saying it risks prematurely determining the final status of Jerusalem and threatens the entire peace process. They have also expressed concern that it could embolden extremist groups to escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Egyptian AmbassadorAmr Aboulatta said the US decision was a "dangerous precedent", a unilateral action that violates international law. The representative of Sweden criticized the US decision.Contrary to international law and United Nations resolutions, the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through negotiations between the two parties concerned.

In response to the reactions of other countries, the US AmbassadorNikki Haley still defended Washington's position, saying that recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel reflects "the will of the American people" and only recognizes "the reality on the ground".

The US Ambassador also criticized the United Nations for having more activities that "destroy the prospects for peace" in the Middle East, rather than promoting it."We will not be a part of that," she said.Haley said.

The US representative also affirmed that sovereignty over Jerusalem is still decided by Israel and Palestine, through negotiations. USdoes not take sides in the border dispute and remains committed to reaching a lasting peace agreement, supporting a two-state solution if all parties agree.

Ambassador of IsraelDanny Danon welcomed the US announcement, saying it should be seen as“reality check” for Palestinians and other countries. He assessed the US decision as an important step forward for the peace process.

Palestinian AmbassadorRiyad Mansour said the US statement was "extremely regrettable", increasing tensions and threatening the stability of the situation.

After the meeting, the four members of the European Council, Britain, France, Italy and Sweden, along with Germany, issued a joint statement, emphasizing their disagreement with the Trump administration’s stance on Jerusalem. They said the new US move goes against Security Council resolutions and does nothing to help ensure peace in the region.

The meeting came after more than half of the 15 members of the Council requested an emergency meeting.

According to VNE