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German Foreign Minister Calls For ‘Solution To The Jerusalem Problem’

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Anders Hagstrom Justice Reporter
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The German Foreign Minister used an unfortunate phrase Wednesday when criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“We all know the far-reaching impact this move would have,” Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. “Germany’s position on this issue remains unchanged: A solution to the Jerusalem problem can only be found through direct negotiations between both parties. Everything which worsens the crisis is counterproductive.”

The phrasing rang with an unfortunate echo of Adolf Hitler’s “solution to the Jewish problem” under the Nazi regime.

Trump is expected to give a speech Wednesday recognizing Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, with eventual plans to relocate the U.S. embassy there from its current location in Tel Aviv. The announcement has been met with a slew of criticism from Germany, the pope, and even a member of Israeli parliament.

They fear an escalation of tension in the region, and the Trump administration agrees, but is willing to take the risk. The administration warned US embassies across the world on Tuesday to prepare for potential violence once the change is made.

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic church, urged the status quo be “respected” in Israel by the U.S. government and referenced the Palestinian claim on Jerusalem.

“I make a heartfelt appeal so that all commit themselves to respecting the status quo of the city, in conformity with the pertinent resolutions of the United Nations,” the Pope said Wednesday.”I cannot keep quiet about my deep worry about the situation that has been created in the last few days.”

Ayman Odeh, the leading Arab member of Israeli parliament, was less reserved, calling Trump a “pyromaniac” in a Tuesday tweet.

Groups representing Palestine are already warning that if Trump moves to formally recognize Jerusalem, it could drastically impact the campaign of bringing peace to the Middle East.

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