The President of the USA, Donald Trump, has announced that the USA officially recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This comes ahead of its embassy moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The decision overturns decades of America having its embassy in Tel Aviv. Mr Trump explained the rationale for his decision. He said he, "judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the USA, and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians". He added that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital was, "nothing more or less than a recognition of reality".
The UN called the decision "a moment of great anxiety". It said: "There is no alternative to the two-state solution." Israel's Prime Minister said it was "a historic day". He was "profoundly grateful" to Mr Trump. Palestinian leader, Ismail Haniya, described the decision as a "flagrant aggression," and "the official announcement of the end of the peace process". A Palestinian diplomat said Mr Trump, "is declaring war in the Middle East and against 1.5 billion Muslims". Israel's Haaretz newspaper said it would give Iran and its allies "a wonderful rallying cry" and could help organizations like ISIS.