British News Channel Draws Flak For Calling Tel Aviv Israel’s Capital, Claiming UN Recognises It As Such

Controversy erupted recently following an altercation between the terror outfit Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the Israel-Gaza border, when a news anchor on a British News Channel – Channel 4 – referred to Tel Aviv as Israel’s capital. Later, when contacted seeking an apology, the channel responded that “according to information provided by the United Nations, Tel Aviv was the officially recognised capital” of Israel.

The response sparked off a debate about the United Nations’ alleged abilities to decide the capital of sovereign states.

The controversy over Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s capital has increased over the last few weeks. Last week, United States President Donald Trump shifted the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move that saw border incursions, flaming kites, molotov cocktails, and kite bombs being thrown to the Israeli side of the border.

Similarly, the recently-concluded Eurovision 2018 competition saw Israeli singer Netta Barzilai win, resulting in Israel hosting the competition next year. Barzilai’s statement, “Next Year In Jerusalem!”, after winning the competition saw backlash with Palestinian supporters attacking her on social media.