Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. (Flash90) (Flash90)
Palestinian Authority

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The liberation and reunification of Jerusalem is mourned as a “setback” by the Palestinian leadership, which continues to demand a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

While Israelis were celebrating Jerusalem Day, or Yom Yerushalayim, marking the 49th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem from 19 years of Jordanian occupation, the Palestinian Authority observed Naksa Day, “Naksa” being Arabic for “setback.”

The setback was Israel’s victory over five Arab armies seeking to obliterate the Jewish state, even when it was confined to the pre-1967 armistice lines.

PA leader Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement Sunday on the occasion of Naksa Day, demanding the “establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state,” with “East Jerusalem” as its capital and the liberation of all prisoners, including terrorists who are glorified as “holy martyrs” by the PA.

“Our nation will absolutely not agree to less than a full end to the Israeli occupation that began in June 1967,” Abbas stated.

“The Palestinian leadership adheres to the principle of the solution of two states living in peace and security alongside each other,” he claimed.

In commemoration of the “setback,” the Palestinians are “more determined than ever to achieve their goals and to achieve their legitimate national rights,” he said.

By: Terri Nir, United with Israel