Palestinians declare 'days of rage' over Trump's Jerusalem decision as Israel braces for violence

Palestinian factions in West Bank have announced there will be at least three "days of rage" beginning Wednesday, 6 December over US President Donald Trump's expected decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Trump had earlier informed regional leaders including Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that Washington would unilaterally declare Jerusalem – considered a holy site by both Israelis and Palestinians – as Israel's capital. However, there is no indication the US embassy would be immediately moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Enraged by Trump's imminent announcement, Palestinian leaders have said there will be widespread demonstrations at least until Friday.

"The Palestinian people know how to protect their rights and we are in consultations regarding [our moves] in the coming days," Fatah Central Committee member Jamal Mahisan told Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Ismail Haniyeh, chief of Hamas which is a powerful force in the region, said the latest move crossed "every red line" and called the Palestinians to make Friday "a day of rage against the occupation". Other political factions led by the Palestinian Authority have also said there will be marches.

Israel's Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz told a local daily: "I suggest they don't create security tensions and don't lead down this road. We are ready for every possibility," before adding that "violent protests would be a big mistake for the Palestinian Authority".

Authorities in Israel fear some rallies could spiral out of control spreading violence as both troops and local police are being mobilised as part of the beefed up security arrangements. Reinforcements will also be brought in if the situation worsens.

People from across the West Bank are expected to take part in the rallies as major protests are likely to take place in key sites such as city centres, American embassies and consulates. While thousands of Israeli police are expected to be deployed in Jerusalem on Friday, there are major concerns over possible lone wolf attacks.

Meanwhile, many have expressed apprehension that Trump's upcoming announcement could be a recipe for disaster in the volatile region.

"We believe that any action that would undermine these efforts must absolutely be avoided. A way must be found, through negotiations, to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both states, so that the aspiration of both parties can be fulfilled," said EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini.

"Since early this year, the European Union was clear in its expectation that there can be [a] reflection on the consequences that any decision or unilateral action affecting Jerusalem's status could have. It might have serious consequences on public opinion in large parts of the world," she added.