"I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel."
With those words, U.S. President Donald Trump went against the advice of global allies, broke with decades of established American foreign policy and set his nation on the course to be the first in the world to construct an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem.
"My announcement today marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians," Trump said, according to The Guardian.
Leading up to and following the official announcement, international leaders and allies from Europe and the Middle East condemned and rejected the decision. Many warned that the move would only hinder the peace process and could lead to outbreaks of violence.
Across the Arab world, Muslims and Christians saw the move as a "slap in the face"
Some pointed out the absurdity of a white man making such a call
And of course, mass protests broke out throughout the Middle East
On social media, hashtags showing solidarity with Palestine began to trend throughout the Arab world
And Arabs completely rejected the decision, pointing out that Trump DOES NOT speak for them
"Only on planet Donald Trump" does this make sense
Trump's words mean nothing to the millions of Arabs
"Go find your own capital"
Maybe ... Washington DC?
What if the tables were turned?
Arabs have a clear message for Trump
Arab leaders have denounced the declaration ... from Saudi Arabia's royal court
To Lebanon's president
The president of the United States' decision to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel threatens the peace process and regional stability. What's needed is a unilateral stance on the part of Arab nations...