The recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has further added to the chaos in the Arab world. The region has been already facing torrid time to due to rise of radical Islamic State group. Just as everyone thought peace is finally returning to the region following the defeat of ISIS in places like Iraq and Syria, this latest move by US has escalated tension in the region. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has rejected the United States’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Violent protest is being witnessed in several Muslim countries. The move of US has potential to create more divide between west and Muslim world. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis claim Jerusalem as their capital. Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed that half of the city. The international community considers East Jerusalem as occupied territory. Also the city is home to holy sites of three major monotheistic religions Christian, Muslim and Jew. This makes matter more sensitive. The Palestinians would like to officially divide the city and make East Jerusalem the capital of a future Palestinian state. But the move of US will put an end to their dream. Therefore there is bitter anger among the Muslim world and it can lead to deep hatred for the west. Also it might provide space to radical groups like ISIS, Al Qaeda to further their agenda and carry out more attacks in cities across the western world. The US should re-think and avoid taking steps which will only make world more unsafe. The peaceful resolution of Palestine conflict is important in order to bring peace in the whole world.