WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday will announce his decision on recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital. 

In a move which has already stoked sentiments across the world, if the US president moves forward with his campaign promise, it would prove to be extremely divisive. 

Hours before the momentous announcement Trump said that the move was "long overdue."

"Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn't do it, whether it´s courage or they changed their mind, I can't tell you," Trump said, portraying himself as daring to fulfill a promise that previous presidents have shied away from.

"I think it's long overdue," he said.

Trump is expected to upend decades of US policy later Wednesday by stating that the holy city - part of which is claimed by Palestinians -- rightfully belongs to Israel.

The announcement has been preceded by warnings of a violent response in the Muslim world and demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burning American flags.