RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinians are criticizing the Democratic Party's decision to declare Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

The Democrats on Wednesday restored language in the platform saying Jerusalem "is and will remain the capital of Israel." A day earlier, the language had been removed from the platform, prompting Republicans to question President Barack Obama's support for Israel.

The language is at odds with U.S. policy calling for the status of Jerusalem to be resolved through negotiations. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim east Jerusalem.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Thursday the Democrat's decision might just be "election propoganda." He said a failure to recognize the Palestinian claim to east Jerusalem will "destroy the peace process" and lead to "endless war."

Israeli officials declined comment.