GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories (AFP) – Hamas leader Ismail Haniya called for a new Palestinian intifada, or uprising, on Thursday over U.S. President Donald J. Trump‘s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
“This Zionist policy supported by the U.S. cannot be confronted unless we ignite a new intifada,” the head of the armed Palestinian Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip said in a speech.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday also lashed out at his U.S. counterpart’s decision, saying it would put the region in a “ring of fire.”
“Taking this type of step puts the world, especially the region, in a ring of fire,” Mr. Erdogan said in a speech to supporters at Ankara airport before heading on a visit to Greece.
“Hey Trump! What do you want to do?” he said, addressing the U.S. leader directly in one of Mr. Erdogan’s most familiar rhetorical habits.
“What kind of approach is this? Political leaders do not stir things up, they seek to make peace!” he added.
There were chants of “damn Israel!” and boos from Mr. Erdogan supporters gathered at the airport when the president first mentioned the U.S. move.