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Israeli forces kill 52 in Gaza clashes as US opens Jerusalem embassy
The United States officially opened its deeply controversial Jerusalem embassy on Monday in a ceremony that included a video address by President Donald Trump as deadly clashes broke out.
Trump told the ceremony that the United States remained committed to reaching a lasting Middle East peace, though the move of its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem has provoked outrage.
Read more: Pakistan expresses 'grave concern', joins others in condemning shifting of US embassy to Jerusalem
A plaque and seal were unveiled at the ceremony, officially opening the embassy.
Violent clashes had erupted along the Gaza Strip's border hours ahead of the controversial opening, leaving 52 Palestinians dead from Israeli fire and more than 2,400 wounded.
The dead included a 14-year-old, according to the Gazan health ministry.
Read: For Palestinians, US Embassy move a show of pro-Israel bias
It was the deadliest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 war between the Jewish state and Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas.
Thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians were approaching the fence and trying to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side.
Crowds had built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade.
The inauguration, which follows Trump's deeply controversial December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital, also came at a time of heightened regional tensions.
It follows Trump's announcement last week that the United States is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli strikes two days later on dozens of Iranian targets in Syria.
Those strikes came after rocket fire toward Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Iran.
The Trump administration has vowed to restart the moribund Middle East peace process but the embassy move has inflamed tensions.
On Sunday, Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri released a message saying America's decision was evidence that “appeasement” has failed Palestinians and urged Muslims to carry out jihad against the US, according to a transcript provided by the SITE monitoring agency.
'Capital for all time'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump's decision “historic”, welcomed them at a reception on Sunday.
“Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years,” he said.
“It's been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time.”
Sullivan called the embassy “a long overdue recognition of reality”. Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, called it a “hostile act against international law”.
Around 1,000 police officers were being positioned around the embassy for the inauguration. Israel's army said it was almost doubling the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.
It also dropped leaflets warning Gazans to stay away from the fence, including one with a photo of the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris and the caption: “Gaza 2025? The choice is in your hands.”
Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans “we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed”.
Israelis began celebrating on Sunday, as tens of thousands marched in Jerusalem, some holding American flags, to mark Jerusalem Day.
The annual event is an Israeli celebration of the “reunification” of the city following the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.
Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move is also key. May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.
The following day, Palestinians mark the “Nakba”, or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Palestinian protests are planned on both days.
Trump calls embassy move 'a great day for Israel'
Trump hailed the scheduled opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as “a great day for Israel”, even as deadly clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.
Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT.
“Lead up to 9:00am (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!” Trump tweeted.
'Off the table'
There have already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 70 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30.
No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire.
Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.
Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage.
He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem “off the table”, but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel.
Trump's initial decision led to a series of protests in various Middle Eastern and Muslim countries.
Comments (83) Closed
Salute to all the helping hands from the surrounding areas, how easily they kicked Palestinians cause, sufferings and struggle. History will not be friendly with them.
Palestinians had about 50 years to negotiate the status of Jerusalem but they blew it and now it’s impossible to get it back and it could be a matter of time for other countries to move their embassy there. Let’s be pragmatic about it.
Why go to a war and loose it along with territory and then cry for forfeited rights of the lost land? Madness.
How long this illegal occupation by force would last? People around the world are watching. All the sacrifices by Palestinians would not go to vain, there would be a state of Palestine one day.
“Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years,”- When did that changed and how it changed ?
Any Leader among the dead ?
@Tamilselvan Well said. Lost opportunity. Palestine could have well been one of the cultural centers of the world had it negotiated a suitable deal for itself with Israel and US.
I can't help thinking that Saudi silence, if not approval behind the scenes, made this possible. Shame on all Muslim leaders across the world.
Can some one tell me who named it Jerusalem? and who built it?
"The dead included a 14-year-old, ' why you send your innocent children, where they face risk of death? to gain world wide sympathy? shame on you.
Now its time for Palestinians to just ask for equal rights. Fight apartheid, the way Nelson fought. It is more straightforward fight.
What a waste of life - their leadership has consistently let their people down for the last 50 years - they need to realise that rock throwing , chanting death to America and burning American flags has got them to where they are today - maybe it’s time to realise they need to adopt a new policy and leadership
All this could have been avoided. We all know whose hands have the blood of these people.
For decades, the world has opted for the pure fiction - that Israel’s capital is not Jerusalem. Israel operates that place, its parliament the Knesset is in Jerusalem, so is Beit HaNassi [President’s Palace] and most of the government buildings.
A country’s capital is where it claims it is and where its core government buildings are. Where are those buildings? In Jerusalem. Is there any dispute that those buildings and people exist? No.
I don’t agree with Trump on many things, but this one time he is correct. We have to stop this fiction that Tel Aviv is the capital of Israel and realize that Israel is not going to move out of Jerusalem.Maybe someday, there will be a two state solution with Palestine getting a right to operate out of East Jerusalem.
Even if that happens, Israel would continue to rightly call its capital as Jerusalem [maybe called as West Jerusalem] - no matter what practioners of other religion claim whatever holiness in the site is.
Very sad, heart breaking, Palestinians are fighting for their rights independently. All Muslim countries are struggling for their own stability. Pakistani ex and present leaders are fighting for their own saved money, property and power.
@Tamilselvan dont be cruel with history
Great move by USA..but not for Philistines.
Violent clashes? How can it be "violent clashes" and not one Israel soldier injured or killed?
A sad day for muslims. A weak, disunited, helpless muslim world watches it silently. Unfortunately, might is right. Divide and rule policy still works, muslims divided in groups, very busy fighting each other. Very sad.
This tragic incident in essence, is a highly sad day for all the oppressed, militraily invaded, forcefully subjugated, ruthlesly occupied and persistently held against their wishes of self-determination and freedom of choice and consisting of the hapless and helpless people of the world, who are actually in majority. It proves beyond any reasonable doubt that unfortunately and unluckily, the majority of the global population is still forced by less than one percent of it's minority, to live in a world like animals, dictated by the few, on the basis of their military might, tremendous wealth, bundles of resources and absolute power, based on the centuries old jungle law of "might is right," What a horrific and horrible tragedy?
it is a fact that those nations in power who look beyond the oppressed and not help them suffer like them eventually. mark my words, the arab monarchs who are turning the other way will beg for help soon because they will be dragged in the street like gaddhafi and hung up like saddam
Where is Arab?
No concern in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain about the bloodbath of innocent and unarmed Palestinians.
@Tamilselvan donot be cruel with history
@Tamilselvan
Israelis had 50 yrs to bring peace in the area and will only have to blame themselves if\when the muslims gang up and kill every one of them. You are naive if you think anything "is over". This did nothing but brought the world against Israel. Israelis are now legit target all over the world.
Smile on the face of Ivanka is shamelss
Even India is a great friend of Israel,must move its Embassy to Jerusalem.
Must give credit to the current presidency, they are very clear about their views and are sticking to their guns. None of the wishy washy diplomacy of the past.
muslims should unite and teach israel a lesson
I apologize for the mayhem and loss of life that my country, the USA, has caused by moving its embassy to Jerusalem and declaring that it's only Israel's capital.
Israel-Palestine should be SHARED by both Israelis and Palestinians and the Holy city of Jesusalem should also be shared by the 3 faiths: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It is the eternal capital of all three...
By dying they made their lives so cheap and serves no purpose... world not showing sympathy any more....
This has been facilated by the Prince of KSA. He is on Israeli side against all peace loving Muslims.
Trump does not care what happens so long as he is in the media spotlight.
Trump and Netanyahu are responsible of these killings and only way to stop them with Muslim unity but unfortunately Muslim Arab states won't do anything because their wealth is more important than anyone's life.
Well done Muslim leadership. YOU have blood on your hands. While you slumber innocent Muslims are being slated by Islam's biggest enemy.
@Tamilselvan The Palestinians could have had a million years and still achieve nothing, don't forget it takes two to tango. Israel with the blessing of two faced USA has never been serious about peace and a two nation solution.
@Tamilselvan Is it impossible to get back? Don't you remember British ruled one-third of the world for decades, but now each and every occupied country is independent.
The murder of 37 Palestinians in one day is deplorable on the part of the Israeli government and also the U. S. A., which has moved its embassy to Jerusalem inspite of anticipated reaction to the same. Mr. Trump is hell bent upon destroying world peace and it is likely that this one step will bring the much awaited war just around the corner.
While people in this world are trying to promote peace, there are still those who just don't care about human lives. All this could have been avoided. People have lost their lives just because of one structure that was moved. Are structures more important than human lives?
That is predictable.
All those who are silent observers, their turn will come soon.
Very less support for week Palestinian is available in the world driven by self interest.If land is not provided or returned to them atleast make a final settlement for peaceful existence of both the nation. The world should interfere in this deadly and continuous war.
@Rana , it changed when forceful conversion and the Converted in their quest to prove that they are better than the first Converted, launched their invasion and conversion mayhem and captured land that belonged to the people of the book.
Solution may be worked out instead blood
Isn't the primary responsibility of an elected government to provide security to it's people? On what grounds can the protesters threaten a foreign office? Who is responsible if embassies and consulates are attacked?
So sad that the Protestors died when their emotions got too high and they had to fight back. RIP
Israel is temporary Palestine will be forever.
@Qaisar Aziz exactly..
Palestinians had every opportunity to negotiate the status of Jerusalem but the their corrupt leader blew it. Don't blame US or Israel but Palestinian internal politics and power struggle between their corrupt leaders.
You will win freedom by peace and sitting with US and Israeli leaders like a true gentlemen. Trust me, you will never win a war against US or Israel by protests...No Way!!!
Israel is playing with fire.
Saudi Arabia, particularly the crown prince, deserves to take credit along with Trump.
Palestinians leaders are corrupt, big time making money and living in luxury. Let's come to negotiating table and talk like civilized people not by throwing rocks and making fun of US and Israeli leaders.
Where is KSA?
My sympathies with Palestinian.
Very soon other countries will also shift their Embassy to Jerusalem.
So this is the day of celebration for Israel while they drenched blood in Gaza, over 1000 injured today and 50+shot dead including women and children. For how long this will continue before Karma of the innocent suffering comes back for Israel.
Sad so many innocent people are dying due to the hatred fuelled ideology followed by self-interedted Palestinians leadership.
Dialogue is the only way forward.
A black day for the Muslims, specially those supporting the Zionists for their petty gains.
Where are our 50 Muslim countries, none of them are even condemning the killings .
Human tragedy.
How come Pakistan is not standing up for iron brother Palestine.
It is time for the Muslim world to stand against US hegemony otherwise US will break away all Muslim countries by distributing it among its friends and partners.
My dear Palestinians, please use brain to achieve your goals not rocks and protests. Trust me, with this kind of attitude you will get nothing...Please sit on negotiating table like a civilized people and make peace.
Hate, land, color, background, war, will eventually end the humanity. Than all world will be yours.
Shame!
@Masoud true fully agreed
My Palestinian Brothers and sisters my heart bleed for your plight. Inna lillhe wa inna elihe rajoon.
sad
murder
Hitler did the same to innocent Jews what Israel is doing to the innocent Palestinians.
Congratulations to Saudi Royals!
Israel is the Lion in the region, why spill your blood, when you know, you can't do anything to fight the best army with stones and homemade weapons.
@Abdul Razak but Israel also has right to exist
palestine should just accept anything and then they can renegotiate once they have a stronger hand. also while they build up there country. Expansion and land reclamation is but a dream. Be happy with what you have and make stronger the land you have not that you desire.
Shame on Israel, who has killed more people than any one in the history of mankind.
United we stand, divided we fall. Wake up the Muslim World before it is way too late!
@Tamilselvan so you don’t see why the people are so angry? They will lose everything they have so women children and elderly all will become dehomed in their own territory they have so closely felt as home. Yes ofcourse theres mistakes made by leadership in general but let’s be kind and compassionate to those that died for this conflict So many innocent and young people who have felt hardship all along and no where to find a solution or an economic position in life
@Tamilselvan
You are 100% correct
this is barbarism... killing helpless young people living in blockade for over 10 years.. In human ..
Saudis have effectively given up leadership in the Muslim world and now on the other side, hands in hands with Israel and USA.
War or Peace ? Choose Peace....Palestine
@sameer Remember 1967 war that backfired.