We are deeply concerned with the decision of the US President this week to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. We consider this decision to be a grave violation of International Law and the UN Resolutions vis-à-vis the Palestinian Israeli conflict, particularly UN Resolution 181. This decision will have serious ramifications on and cause irreversible harm to the peace process, the Status Quo of Jerusalem and interreligious relations in the region.

We recognize that Jerusalem is a city central to three faiths, and is further home to two peoples.  Jerusalem’s status as an international city must be maintained for the stability of the region and Israeli-Palestinian relations.

As a humanitarian network, we are very conscious that this decision will also add to the human suffering of the Palestinians. This will have the potential of escalating tensions, violence and the loss of innocent lives, not only in the Palestinian Occupied Territories, but also throughout the region.

We call upon the international community to continue to recognize the international status of Jerusalem and to push for a peaceful and just settlement based on the UN Resolutions and respect for the human dignity and life of the Palestinians.

Rudelmar Bueno de Faria
General Secretary
ACT Alliance