PA, Arab League denounce Czech Republic for opening diplomatic office in Al-Quds

The Palestinian Authority and the Arab League on Saturday condemned the Czech Republic’s opening of a diplomatic office in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), stressing the move is a violation of international law, Reuters reports.

Prague opened a Jerusalem branch of its Israel embassy, which is located in Tel Aviv, on Thursday. The inauguration was attended by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.

The PA’s foreign ministry called Prague’s move “a blatant attack on the Palestinian people and their rights, a flagrant violation of international law,” and said it would harm peace prospects.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said in a statement quoted by Reuters, “The legal status of Jerusalem will be affected by the decision of one country or another to open representative offices. East Jerusalem is an occupied land under the International law.”

The Czech Republic illegaly recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December of 2017, following US President Donald Trump's recognition of the city as Israel's capital.