VIOLENT protests takes over Bethlehem after Donald Trump officially recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. (PHOTOS)

Amid scenes of flag-burning in Palestinian territories and Arab nations Turkey has warned the US President that he has “pulled the pin on a bomb” with the historic announcement.

In Bethlehem protesters threw rocks at Israeli forces who responded using tear gas and water cannons.

Violence broke out in the West Bank cities including Bethlehem following demonstrations across the region – including outside the historic Damascus Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Thousands took to the streets chanting “Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Palestine” with at least 16 injured during clashes.

Israel has deployed hundreds of extra troops to the West Bank as many allies of Washington joined those objecting to the move.

Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim has warned that the US “has pulled the pin on a bomb ready to blow in the region” with the move.

As protesters took to the streets, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered representatives in Washington DC to return home as he said the US had “withdrawn from its role in the peace process”.

In a scathing rebuke to Trump’s speech on Wednesday night, Mr Abbas insisted Jerusalem was the “eternal capital of the State of Palestine”.

Palestinians today continued to set fire to pictures of the President after terror group Hamas threatened a “day of rage” in response to Wednesday’s announcement.

The group released a chilling message ordering Palestinians to rise up and send a message to Israel.


And the thugs — which run the Gaza strip under the leadership of Ismail Haniyeh — insisted Trump had opened “the gates of hell on US interests in the region”.

Haniyeh said the Palestinian people “know how to respond properly to the disregard of their feelings and sanctuaries.”

Meanwhile the front page of a pro-Hezbollah newspaper in Lebanon read “Death to America” and showed a burning US flag.
Mr Trump’s White House speech officially recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel — a decision that he said was “long overdue” after repeated delays by past Presidents.

He said: “We cannot solve our problems by repeating the same failed strategies of the past. My announcement marks the beginning of a new approach to the conflict.”

Fears are mounting that Trump’s decision could see the region spiral into further bloodshed and delay the prospect of peace.

Slamming the inaction of previous administrations, Trump told White House media: “After more than two decades of wavers, we are no closer to a lasting peace agreement.

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.”

He added: “I have judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the US and the pursuit of peace.”