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Local Islamic scholars ‘disappointed, extremely concerned’ by Trump’s Jerusalem move

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) is “disappointed and extremely concerned” with US President Donald Trump’s controversial move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Israeli and American flags are projected on the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. US President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem followed intense lobbying by conservative Christians. Photo: The New York Times

The Israeli and American flags are projected on the wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. US President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem followed intense lobbying by conservative Christians. Photo: The New York Times

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SINGAPORE — The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) is “disappointed and extremely concerned” with US President Donald Trump’s controversial move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“As an organisation that represents the Islamic scholars and religious teachers, as well as the Muslim community in Singapore, Pergas is disappointed and extremely concerned by Mr Trump’s move,” said the association in a media release late on Tuesday (Dec 12).

“Pergas is of the opinion that this recent development is a step backwards in efforts to maintain regional stability, and can attract negative retaliation that can worsen the situation in Palestine, as well as global peace.”

On Dec 6, Mr Trump formally recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel that broke with decades of US policy and disregarded warnings from the international community. The decision spurred a series of reactions in Palestine and across the globe.

Mr Trump’s statement “may also be seen as a “symbolic move” in support of Israel’s actions and policies that continue to oppress Palestinians in their own country, said Pergas.

It added that the move also transgressed the United Nations Security Council’s resolution urging Israel to stop any activities related to the construction of illegal settlements on Palestinian territory.

Following Mr Trump’s move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement stating that “Singapore reaffirms its longstanding and consistent support for a two-state solution, which will involve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with the State of Israel”.

Pergas said it is in support of MHA’s statement.

“Moving forward, Pergas sincerely hopes that the unfavourable responses from the global community and the prayers of the Muslim community, will motivate President Trump to re-evaluate his statement,” said the association.

“Hopefully the Israel-Palestine conflict can be solved, and harmony and peace can be restored in that region”.

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