East Jerusalem businesses closed as Palestinians strike

Schools and businesses were closed across East Jerusalem on Thursday as Palestinians staged a general strike to protest the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel.

The city’s main commercial center and Old City remained shuttered as shops and offices responded to Wednesday night’s call for a strike by Palestinian leaders.

Israeli security forces were out in force in the cramped alleys of the Old City.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the decision to recognize Jerusalem and move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv despite widespread international opposition.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Ahead of his election last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.