Muslims around the world took to the streets after midday prayers on Friday to protest President Trump's decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. America's decision is highly controversial because Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as their future capital, and the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem comes across as taking Israel's side in the conflict and ruining the possibility of a two-state solution.
Protests were as widespread as Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia, although the heart of the demonstrations took place across the West Bank. "In several cities and towns, angry protesters hurled stones at Israeli troops who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets," The Associated Press reports. "Smoke rose over Bethlehem."
The leaders of several militant groups have called for violence in the wake of Trump's decision. Hamas declared Friday a "day of rage" and demanded an uprising against Israel, while al Qaeda insisted followers target United States institutions worldwide. The State Department has already issued warnings to embassies around the globe.
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Many religious leaders have condemned the Trump administration's decision as well. Pope Francis expressed concern about recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu, an anti-apartheid activist and the former Archbishop of Cape Town, issued a rare statement in the wake of Trump's decision. "God is weeping," Tutu said.
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