Palestine Central Committee Votes for Strong Response to Trump Jerusalem Declaration

When the debates ended and smoke cleared after two days of meeting in Ramallah, the Palestinian Central Council had adopted the agenda supported by the hardline element of the electorate. The key issue argued at the meeting was the response to President Trump’s declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Following animated debate, the delegates voted to end security cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel’s security services. Exactly what else that means has not been determined, but those who advocated for a more moderate response were outvoted by those who wanted to present a forceful rebuke of the American President. One part of the response that was presented and approved was the decision to revoke recognition of the Jewish state. If a new poll in the Palestinian daily Al-Quds is any indication, an overwhelming 92% of respondents say they agree with both ending security cooperation and rescinding recognition of Israel. There are apparently no plans to reverse the decision not to meet with US Vice-President Mike Pence when he visits the region beginning on Saturday.