The United States is set to close its main diplomatic mission to the Palestinians and replace it with a unit under the authority of its new Israeli embassy in Jerusalem.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Thursday plans to merge the U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem, which serves the Palestinians, with its controversial embassy to Israel.
In an official statement, Pompeo explained the move aims at improving efficiency and "does not signal a change of U.S. policy."
Late in 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump announced "it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel." Soon after, in May 2018, the U.S. became the first country in the world to launch an embassy to Israel in the disputed holy city, Jerusalem, sparking demonstrations that saw Israeli forces kill tens of protesters.
In August, the nation cut over $200 million in vital aid to the Palestinians, in what Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi described as "cheap blackmail as a political tool."
Despite widespread criticism of the recent moves, the U.S. went on to shut down its consulate for Palestinians and create a "Palestinian Affairs Unit" inside its embassy to Israel.
According to The New Arab, analysts believe the U.S. is attempting "to pressure the Palestinians into peace talks with Israel."
Pompeo announced that the American Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, is guiding the merger. Friedman publicly supports Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are illegal under international law, according to The Guardian.
"We will continue to conduct a full range of reporting, outreach, and programming in the West Bank and Gaza as well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem through a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside U.S. Embassy Jerusalem," Pompeo wrote in his statement.
He added that the decision is meant to boost "efficiency and effectiveness" and does not change U.S. policy regarding Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
"The Administration is strongly committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future to Israel and the Palestinians. We look forward to continued partnership and dialogue with the Palestinian people and, we hope in the future, with the Palestinian leadership," he concluded.
The merger has been heavily criticized by Palestinian figures.
PLO Secretary General Dr. Saeb Erekat said the decision proves the Trump administration has fully "endorsed the Israeli narrative, including on Jerusalem, refugees and settlements."
Similarly, Ashrawi wrote on Twitter that the move "violates United Nations resolutions, treats Palestine as a domestic Israeli issue and further undermines American-Palestinian relations."
