I was aged 12 when Israel occupied the rest of Palestine. In the summer of 1967, Israel conducted a census and those of us living in Jerusalem were issued residency ID cards different than the rest of the Occupied Territories.

A single image has produced polar opposite reactions. The bravery of a young Palestinian child challenging the heavily armed Israeli soldier spoke volumes to many in terms of its power and courage.

The provocative US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has provided the Palestinian leadership with a unique opportunity. Palestinians can legitimately reject American monopolization of the peace process.

Ever since the current Palestinian-Israeli peace process became news again with the Trump administration’s grand “ultimate deal,” the issue of Jerusalem loomed as a major stumbling block.

Amid the Middle East’s current political upheavals, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been invited to Riyadh. The reason behind his invitation is unclear. The most perceptive guess is that the visit is connected to the long-awaited US plan for the Palestine/Israel peace process.

For Palestinians, the 20th century was a unique opportunity for independence that was dashed by a promise from one who did not own — Britain — to those who were undeserving — Jewish Zionists.