38 Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces as US opens embassy

Bloody clashes have erupted at the Gaza border with protesters slinging rocks and Israeli forces shooting and using tear gas to disperse the angry crowd hours before the US embassy opening in Jerusalem.

According to reports, at least 38 Palestinians including women have been shot dead by Israeli troops after infuriated demonstrators clashed with security forces.

Hamas-run health ministry says aside the number of dead victims, 1,000 other people were injured, as Palestinians hurled stones and firebombs, while the Israeli military used snipers as black smoke poured from burning tyres.

Read also: Tension as US set to open Jerusalem embassy

Israel’s army said 35,000 Palestinians were taking part in “violent riots” along the security fence and that its troops were operating “in accordance with standard procedures”.

Gaza’s Islamist rulers, Hamas, have led mass protests in a “Great March of Return” for the past six weeks. Israel says demonstrators are trying to breach the border fence.

Last December, Trump formally recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and made a decision to move its embassy there from Tel Aviv, breaking with decades of US policy.

The controversial move by Trump has sparked protests with reports revealing that demonstrations are being planned to call on Palestinians’ right of return to the homes from which they were expelled from in 1948.

 

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