A general strike is observed today throughout Palestine in protest against US Vice President Mike Pence's visit to the old city of Jerusalem, and US recognition of the holy city as capital of Israel.

Shops, banks, schools, government offices and businesses were shut down in response to the call by Palestinian political forces for the strike, according to Palestine News Agency (WAFA).

Public transportation has also joined the strike. Excluded from the strike were hospitals and clinics and some educational facilities.

Pence pushed for recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and is a strong advocate of moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, is expected to visit Al-Buraq Wall, one of the walls of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, on Tuesday provoking strong Palestinian protest, WAFA reported.

Source: BNA