Dozens killed, thousands wounded in Gaza clashes as US opens Jerusalem embassy

Israeli forces killed dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border in the conflict's bloodiest day in years on Monday as clashes and protests coincided with the deeply controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

According to media reports, at least 5 Palestinians were killed and more than 1800 wounded during clashes in Gaza-Israeli border. Source: EPA/MOHAMMED SABER

Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinian protesters on the Gaza border on Monday when the high-profile opening of the US embassy to Israel in Jerusalem by the Trump administration raised tension to boiling point after weeks of demonstrations.

5 Palestinians protesters were killed and more than 2000 others were injured during the clashes along the border between Israel and Gaza Strip. Source: EPA/HAITHAM IMAD

In the bloodiest single day for Palestinians since 2014, Palestinian Health Ministry officials said 58 protesters were killed and 2,700 injured by live gunfire, tear gas or other means.

The bloodshed drew calls for restraint from some countries, including France and Britain, and stronger criticism from others, with regional power Turkey calling it “a massacre”.

 

The White House declined to join in urging Israel to exercise caution and pinned the blame squarely on Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who described the Israeli military’s actions as self-defence of his country’s borders.