Jakarta. Mahmoud al-Habbash, an adviser to the president of Palestine, said Donald Trump's foreign policy is intent on eradicating the Palestinian state, but he still remains optimistic that with international support his country will soon achieve its long-sought independence.

"It is clear that Trump wants to send a message to the world that Palestine does not exist, [the United States] is intent on eradicating the Palestinian state," Al-Habbash said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/08).

Al-Habbash is an adviser on religious affairs and Islamic relations to President Mahmoud Abbas. He is visiting Indonesia to participate in the seventh World Peace Conference in Jakarta.

In May, the US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, provoking condemnation from the international community, including Indonesia.

According to Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, the embassy's relocation was a threat to achieving peace.

Indonesia has been a vocal supporter of Palestine's independence and will prioritize the matter during its term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, which will begin in 2019.

Zionist Israel

The Israeli occupation of Palestine has been increasingly oppressive.

"The Zionists aim to remove data traces of Palestinians, so they could change everything to that of Israel," Al-Habbash said, referring to the ultra-nationalist ideology of the Israeli government.

Last month, Israel enacted a new law declaring it the nation-state of the Jewish people, making Hebrew its national language, and promoting Jewish settlements.

It gives Arabic, spoken by one-in-five Israeli citizens, "special status" as a language, removing the official status it had since the days of the British mandate.

Israel has also continued violent crackdowns on Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Israeli forces have reportedly killed more than 100 and wounded more than 18,000 Palestinians.

At the press conference, Al-Habbash said Israel's conduct in Palestine is an example of terrorism.

"Palestine condemns all forms of terrorism, one example is what Israel has been doing with stealing Palestinian lands and destroying the homes of our people," he said.

However, he emphasized that there is no hatred between Palestinians and Jews.

"Palestine does not consider Jews enemy, we are against those in power and who are ravaging and destroying peace in Palestine."

Al-Habbash also expressed optimism that Palestinians will soon gain independence.

"I am certain that Palestine will achieve independence in the near future, with the help of the international community," he said.