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Jerusalem's status should be decided by Israel-Palestinian negotiations: MFA

A view of the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, some of the holiest sites for for Jews and Muslims, is seen in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday (6 December). (PHOTO: Associated Press)
A view of the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock, some of the holiest sites for for Jews and Muslims, is seen in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday (6 December). (PHOTO: Associated Press)

The status of Jerusalem is a “sensitive and complex issue” that should be decided “through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians”, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Thursday (7 December).

It was responding to media queries regarding the Wednesday speech at the White House by US President Donald Trump in which he recognised the city of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – a move that prompted an international backlash.

“Any premature and unilateral action to alter the status of Jerusalem will impede progress for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East and Palestinian problem,” said an MFA spokesperson.

The MFA statement added that Singapore reaffirms its “longstanding and consistent support for a two-state solution” that involves establishing an “independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with the State of Israel.”

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