Iran Slams PGCC for Shirking Responsibility toward Palestine

In remarks released on Wednesday night, Qassemi pointed to the final statement of a recent PGCC summit in Kuwait, describing it as “a clear example of (the council’s) lack of proper understanding of realities and priorities in the Middle East”.

“The recent statement shows that the PGCC is ignoring the truths in the region and turning a blind eye to the realities and priorities at this sensitive juncture,” Qassemi said, adding that it also proves the inefficiency of the council that is gripped by “internecine divisions and unrealistic policies”.

“Instead of addressing the key problems facing the Islamic world, supporting the oppressed Palestinian people and discussing the controversial plan of relocating the US embassy (from Tel Aviv) to the holy city of al-Quds, the PGCC has simply made worthless comments in this regard and clearly shirked its Islamic and human responsibility toward Palestine,” the spokesman noted.

The statement came after Trump officially declared the disputed city of al-Quds Israel's capital, despite warnings from around the world that the measure risks triggering a fresh wave of violence in the Middle East.

In a speech at the White House earlier in the day, Trump said his administration would also begin a years-long process of moving the American embassy in Tel Aviv to the holy city.

The announcement was a major shift by Washington that overturns decades of US foreign policy.

Palestinian leaders had previously warned the move would threaten a two-state solution.

Israel has occupied East Jerusalem since the 1967 Middle East war. It annexed the area in 1980 and sees it as its exclusive domain. Under international law, the area is considered to be occupied territory.