The Palestinian Authority had a mixed reaction to the inauguration on Friday of U.S. President Donald Trump.
PA leader Mahmoud Abbas sent a short note of congratulations to the new American president, wishing him well and saying he hopes to work with him to create a world that is more peaceful, secure and stable, in the midst of turmoil that has reached tragic proportions. He expressed the hope that President Trump will help to bring about a peaceful future for all.
But while the Palestinian Authority leader expressed warm thoughts of peace in English, his citizens sent an entirely different message in Arabic and in their actions.
Protesters also held demonstrations on the streets of the Palestinian Authority, setting fire to a large photo of the new American president in one incident near a border crossing close to Bethlehem, just south of Jerusalem. Palestinian Authority security personnel did nothing to stop the protests.
Israeli forces quickly arrived and attempted to expel them from the area, while threatening to use force on the activists. The forces then tore apart the pictures and signs used during the demonstration.
Another protest was held near the city of Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem. Posters were also hung up protesting the proposed move of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.