Palestinians call general strike, rallies to protest Trump move

Palestinian secular and Islamist factions on Wednesday called a general strike and midday rallies to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he has recognised 'Jerusalem' (occupied al-Quds) as Israel's capital, they said in a joint statement.

Answering the call for strike on Thursday, the Palestinian education ministry declared a day off and urged teachers as well as high school and university students to take part in the planned rallies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Palestinian areas in 'Jerusalem'.

In a speech in Washington, Trump said he had decided to recognise 'Jerusalem' as Israel's capital and move the U.S. embassy to the city.

Arabs and Muslims across the Middle East condemned the U.S. decision, calling it an incendiary move.