AMP meets with State Department on Jerusalem and Israeli settlements

(WASHINGTON DC 02/12/2017) -- The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) met with U.S. State Department officials on Feb. 9 to discuss President Trump’s plans to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and to advocate against the expansion of Israeli settlements. AMP also voiced opposition to the new ‘Land Grab’ law passed last week by the Israeli Knesset, which codifies the expropriation of private Palestinian land for settlements. 

AMP asked the State Department to reiterate the official U.S. stance on Israeli settlements and to once again pressure Israeli officials to cease all plans for new construction. AMP also asked the State Department to issue a strong statement condemning Israel’s new ‘Land Grab’ law as being in contravention of international and American laws, clear proof Israel does not want peace. AMP emphasized the importance of Jerusalem to Muslims around the globe, and urged the State Department to issue guidelines that define East Jerusalem as occupied territory and to confirm that the embassy will remain in Tel Aviv.

President Trump has promised repeatedly to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. As affirmed by UNSC Resolution 2334, the international community views East Jerusalem as occupied territory and does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. AMP will continue to engage with the Department of State to discuss Palestinian rights.