Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Palestinian Consul General in Jeddah Mahmoud Al-Asadi has emphasized the importance and symbolism of Jerusalem for Muslims and Christians all over the world.

He said religiously and historically, Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) remains in the hearts and minds of Muslims as their first Qibla (the direction of prayer) and the third holiest mosque.

While addressing media personnel at the consulate on Wednesday, Al-Asadi also spoke about the city's political importance as well as its legal status.

The press gathering, called "Jerusalem Deserves," was organized following the decision by the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem and to formally recognize the city as the capital of Israel.

Al-Asadi reviewed the disturbing and dangerous developmetns following the announcement of US President Donald Trump, which constitutes a clear change in the policies of the United States toward the Palestinian cause and the status of Jerusalem.

He said the status of Jerusalem "will not change because it is firmly and absolutely Palestinian with international consensus."

He also praised the sincere and persistent support of Arab and Islamic countries for the Palestinian cause.

The dedicated stand of Palestinians led by President Mahmoud Abbas will confront all conspiracies against Al-Quds Al-Sharif, the diplomat said.

Al-Asadi also highlighted the deep and strong Saudi-Palestinian relations and reviewed the Kingdom's honorable and supportive stand toward the Palestinian people and their cause at all levels and at all times on both official and people levels.

He appreciated the Kingdom's unwavering stance on Jerusalem under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

Al-Asadi highlighted the Palestinian action against the US move, which received Arab, Islamic and international support starting with the Arab League and followed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, with resolutions rejecting the US declaration and backing the Palestinian position.

Al-Asadi said the US move emboldened the Israeli government led by the radical Likud party, which aims for resolution to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.