The United States officially closed its Consulate General in Jerusalem on Monday, downgrading its diplomatic mission to the Palestinians and merging it with the US Embassy to Jerusalem.
The consulate acted as the de facto embassy to the Palestinians for decades. Now, diplomatic relations with the Palestinians will happen through a US Embassy Palestinian Affairs Unit (PAU).
The US State Department says the merger does not signify a change in US policy towards the Palestinians.
“This decision was driven by our global efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our diplomatic engagements and operations,” State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement. “It does not signal a change of US policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip.”
Palladino said “there will be complete continuity of US diplomatic activity and consular services during and after the merger” and US diplomats will continue to “engage in a wide range of reporting, outreach, and programming in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem.”
Palestinian’s warned the US against the decision Sunday and PLO Secretary-General official Saeb Erekat called the move “the final nail in the coffin” for the US role in peacemaking.
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Source: CBN
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