Nauru opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming one of the few countries to establish a diplomatic mission in the disputed city, as the Pacific island nation deepens its ties with the Israeli regime.

The opening ceremony was attended by Nauru Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea and Israeli regime Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Sa'ar said the move represented another step in strengthening relations between the two sides.

Nauru recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli regime in 2019. The decision to open an embassy in the city came after discussions between Aingimea and Sa'ar, with the two sides reaching an agreement on the move.

Nauru has also repeatedly supported the Israeli regime in international forums, including votes at the United Nations General Assembly. Aingimea said his country has been among the consistent supporters of Israel at the UN.

The opening of Nauru's embassy has renewed debate over the international status of Jerusalem.

The Israeli regime considers the entire city of Jerusalem its capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Most countries do not recognise Israel's claim over the entire city and continue to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, arguing that Jerusalem's final status should be determined through negotiations.

With the opening of its embassy, Nauru joins a small group of countries that have established diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, including the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, along with Somaliland.

The move comes as the Israeli regime seeks to expand diplomatic recognition for its position on Jerusalem, while the city's status remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.(ILKHA)