Suriname plans to open Israeli embassy in occupied Jerusalem, as Israel ramps up violence against Palestinians

Suriname plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, a hugely controversial move given Israel's illegal occupation of the eastern sector of the city.

The South American country said a date has not yet been set,  but it and Israel both confirmed the plan on Monday, which will likely be fiercely opposed by Palestinians.

Israel has illegally annexed parts of the city and has systematically expelled many of its Palestinian residents. 

Just four countries - the United States, Honduras, Guatemala and Kosovo - currently have embassies in Jerusalem instead of Tel Aviv.

Surinamese Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin paid a visit to Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Israel's government said in a statement.

"During the meeting between the two foreign ministers, the Surinamese Foreign Minister announced that his country plans to soon open an embassy in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel," the statement said.

Ramdin told Reuters he was not sure when the facility would open.

"We don't know yet. We have expressed the intention. The consultation on how and what is going to start now," he said.

Israel illegally annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 in a move widely rejected by the international community.

The United Nations recognises East Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian land, and Palestinians see it as a future capital of their independent state.

Suriname appointed a non-resident ambassador to Israel, Stevanus Noordzee, in March.At the time, the government said it expected relations with Israel to deepen with the appointment. 

[Reuters]