Thousands stage rally to condemn President Trump`s move

Thousands of people staged a rally here on Monday to lend support to the Palestinian people`s struggle and condemn US President Donald Trump`s unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital.

The demonstrators marched from Sultan Ahmadsyah Mosque to the local legislative assembly (DPRD) building, an Antara journalist observed.

In their oration in front of the DPRD building, coordinator of Tanjungbalai Islamic Propagation Council Muhammad Ali Rukum said Jerusalem (Al Quds) is a historic site as it is the first kiblat (the direction Muslims face when praying).

"The statement by Donald Trump that Jerusalem or Al Quds is the capital of Israel is provocative," he said.

Chief of the Ummat Islam Forum Indrasyah meanwhile called on Muslims worldwide to stay firm against the US president and oppose the Israeli invasion of Palestine and the Zionist military torture of Palestinians.

The statement by US President Donald Trump is very dangerous to Mecca and Madina and that Muslims all over the world must be opposed to it by boycotting US products, he said.

Chief of the Tanjungbalai DPRD Bambang Harianto said the rally reflects Muslims` concern about the Palestinian people`s sufferings and condemned the US president`s stand.

"We will convey your aspirations to the North Sumatra provincial legislative council which will later pass on the aspirations to the Indonesian House of Representatives," he said

Source: ANTARA