'IRRESPONSIBLE' Turkey condemns Trump Israel speech as protests break out across Istanbul
PROTESTS broke out in Istanbul as Turkey's foreign ministry condemned Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Several hundred protesters gathered outside the US consulate as Mr Trump announced he would move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Demonstrators threw coins and other objects at the consulate as they voiced their outrage at the controversial announcement.
Protestors also shouted slogans against the US President as they brandished Turkish flags during another rally at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.
The protests come as Turkey's foreign ministry condemned the decision as "irresponsible" and called on Washington to reconsider the move.
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The foreign ministry said in a statement: ”We condemn the irresponsible statement of the U.S. administration... declaring that it recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and it will be moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem,.
"We call upon the US Administration to reconsider this faulty decision which may result in highly negative outcomes and to avoid uncalculated steps that will harm the multicultural identity and historical status of Jerusalem," it said.
READ MORE: Theresa May condemns 'unhelpful' Israel speech
It comes as the Tunisian Labour union UGTT announced Trump’s speech was tantamount to a “declaration of war” as they called for mass protests across the middle east.
The move is a shocking break from established US policy and has been described as the “kiss of death” for a two-state solution by the Palestinian authorities.
EPA
EPA
Israel's prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu declared Trump's declaration as an "important step in the direction of peace”.
Israeli minister Bennett was the first to react to Mr Trump’s speech, saying of the announcement: “Thanks US President, today is a shiny day for the Jewish people”.
But the Palestinian territories Hamas has declared that Trump has "opened the gates of Hell" as US flags were being burned in Palestinian Territories before the speech on Wednesday.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the decision is tantamount to the US abdicating its role as a mediator in the Middle East and he describes Jerusalem as the "eternal capital of the state of Palestine".
EPA
And influential exiled Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan said on Wednesday Palestinians should reject any future peace talks and halt security coordination with Israel.
He said: "I call for withdrawal from the absurd and endless negotiations with Israel after the principle of inviolability of the status of Jerusalem has been breached.
"I call for ending all forms of coordination, especially security coordination, with Israel and USA."
The move has also been met with outrage from around the world.
A Hamas official has called on Arab and Islamic states to "cut off economic and political ties with the US embassy and expel American ambassadors to cripple" the move.
EPA
Tonight the US embassy in London warned citizens of the need for "caution and personal awareness" in the wake of Donald Trump's Jerusalem announcement.
Qatar's foreign minister described the decision as a "dangerous escalation and a death sentence for all who seek peace”.
While Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, including occupied Palestinian territory, is a reckless threat to peace.
“The British Government must condemn this dangerous act and work for a just and viable settlement of the conflict.”
Jordan has accused the US President of violating international law over Jerusalem while Iran has said it "seriously condemns" Washington's decision to shift the US embassy from Tel Aviv.
Even the United Nations got in on the action.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there was no alternative to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and that Jerusalem was a final-status issue that should be resolved through direct talks.
"I have consistently spoken out against any unilateral measures that would jeopardize the prospect of peace for Israelis and Palestinians," Guterres said after U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
"In this moment of great anxiety, I want to make it clear: There is no alternative to the two-state solution. There is no Plan B.
"I will do everything in my power to support the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to return to meaningful negotiations."
