US President Donald Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Washington, Dec 6: Hours before a momentous announcement recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital, US President Donald Trump said that the move was "long overdue."

"Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn't do it, whether it's courage or they changed their mind, I can't tell you," Trump said, portraying himself as daring to fulfil a promise that previous presidents have shied away from. "I think it's long overdue," he said.

Trump is expected to upend decades of US policy later Wednesday by stating that the holy city - part of which is claimed by Palestinians - rightfully belongs to Israel.

The announcement has been preceded by warnings of a violent response in the Muslim world and demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burning American flags.

Israelis and Palestinians reacted with shock, anger or joy on Wednesday to US President Donald Trump's plan to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but the disputed city remained calm despite calls for protests.

PTI