Egypt presents draft for recognition of Qusd as Palestinian capital

The UN Security Council is considering a draft resolution affirming that any change to the status of the occupied al-Quds ('Jerusalem') has no legal effect and must be reversed, in response to the US decision to recognize the city as Israel’s capital.

Egypt circulated the draft text on Saturday, and diplomats said the council could vote on the proposed measure as early as Monday.

Breaking with the international consensus, US President Donald Trump this month announced that he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv, sparking protests and strong condemnation.

The move was condemned by globally and sparked protests across Arab and Muslim countries.

On Sunday, tens of thousands of Muslims marched from the main mosque in Indonesia’s capital to a square in Jakarta in the biggest protest in Indonesia since Trump’s controversial move.

The draft resolution stresses that 'Jerusalem' is an issue “to be resolved through negotiations” and expresses “deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem,” without specifically mentioning Trump’s move.

“Any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded,” it said.

Diplomats said they expected the United States to use its veto power to block the measure while most, if not all, of the 14 other council members were expected to back the draft resolution.