The death toll in Gaza stands at 43, after thousands of protesters were shot with live ammunition, rubber bullets and gas bombs over the course of the day, making it the bloodiest day since the 2014 Gaza War.
Some 2,238 others have been injured according to the Gaza Health Ministry including 27 who remain in critical condition and 59 who have been seriously injured. More than half of the total injuries were inflicted by live fire. The UN has slammed the 'shocking, outrageous killing' of Gaza protesters, calling for human rights law to be respected.
Thousands are expected to protest at the border again tomorrow as Palestinian mark the 70 anniversary of the Nakba.
The Israeli army's disproportionate use of force during the protests has drawn international criticism and calls for an independent probe - which Israel has rejected. The army has previously claimed that international human rights laws do not apply to their actions in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian leaders and Arab-Israeli MKs have accused Israel of committing a "massacre" in Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said Israel was threatening Palestinian protesters with "killing and terrorism" and condemned the show of violence against unarmed protesters.
Israel has banned the Islamic call to prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque due to the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. Authorities refused to allow the mosque to use the loudspeakers usually used for fear it would be heard during the ceremony taking at the new embassy place nearby.
The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Hussein, warned of the Israeli authorities against the decision:
“Those who are upset by the voice of the athan should leave,” he said, adding that “it is ironic that the US Embassy will be moved to Jerusalem on the day of Nakba.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced Israeli soldiers in his speech at the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem stating:
"Our brave soldiers are protecting our citizens even today."
Netanyahu also welcomed US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, celebrating the fact that he would be the first to occupy the Jerusalem residence. He once again thanked President Trump for keeping his election promise to move the embassy.
"Friends, what a glorious day, remember this day, this is history. Mr. Trump, by recognizing history, you made history."
The ceremony has kicked off in the Arona neighborhood of West Jerusalem for the US to turn its Jerusalem consulate into its official embassy as promised by Donald Trump.
Trump appeared via video link to say "today Jerusalem is the seat of Israel's government, it is the hall of Israeli legislature."
"Our greatest hope is for peace."
Earlier today, Gazans reported that the Israeli army has been dropping Arabic-language leaflets from the sky, warning them not to work with Hamas and to stay away from the border fence for their own safety: “The IDF will defend with determination the citizens of the country of Israel and its leadership,” the leaflet read.
This article is attributed to Middle East Monitor website. For more information please click Middle East Monitor.
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