Hamas leader calls for new Palestinian Intifada

By Ali Rezeg

ANKARA (AA) - Hamas on Thursday called for a new Palestinian Intifada in the wake of the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The group’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh, called for Palestinians to launch protests from Friday and for Muslim countries to cut ties with the U.S.

Speaking at a televized news conference in Gaza City, he said: “We call on the Palestinian people to take to the streets on Friday to launch a new Intifada with a view to defending Jerusalem.”

Two previous Palestinian Intifadas, from 1987-93 and 2000-05, saw violent outbursts against occupying Israeli forces.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv despite widespread international opposition.

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

Ahead of his election last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.