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Israeli troops kill dozens of Palestinians protesting against US embassy move to Jerusalem – live updates Israeli troops kill dozens of Palestinians in protests as US embassy opens in Jerusalem – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Kushner was the first speaker to make reference to the protests today. Here’s more of what he said:
President Trump was very clear that his decision and today’s celebration do not reflect a departure from our strong commitment to lasting peace. A peace that overcomes the conflicts of the past in order to give our children a brighter and more boundless future.
As we have seen from the protest of the last month and even today those provoking violence are part of the problem and not part of the solution. The United States is prepared to support a peace agreement in every way that we can. We believe that it is possible for both sides to gain more than they give so that all people can live in peace safe from danger, free from fear and able to pursue their dreams.
The United States recognising the sensitivity surrounding Jerusalem, a city that means so much to so many. Jerusalem is a city unique in the history of civilisation. No other place on earth can claim significance to three major religions. Each day Jews pray at the Western Hall. Muslims bow in prayer at Al Asqa mosque, and Christians worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. That is why President Trump has called many times, including right now, on all parties to maintain the status quo at Jerusalem’s Holy sites.
Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, takes to the stage at the opening ceremony.
He said the opening of the embassy was an acknowledgement of the truth that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. “The US will do what’s right and so we have,” Kushner said. President Trump delivered because when he makes a promise he keeps it, he adds.
He then brings up the “dangerous, contentious, and flawed” Iran deal to applause from the audience. Iran’s aggression threatens the region and the entire world, Kushner says.
“Those provoking violence are part of the problem not part of the solution”, Kushner says in reference to the protests today.
Jerusalem must be a city that brings all faiths together, Kushner says. And he praises the way Israel has been a custodian of Jerusalem.
Tump punctuates his video message with a tweet of congratulations.
Big day for Israel. Congratulations!
“The Israeli people thank you” says Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin at the ceremony.
In theory, at least, the Israeli military’s rules of engagement for demonstrations are largely clear.
In general terms - as has been exposed in court cases, commentaries and remarks by officials - soldiers are only permitted to open fire during a demonstration if lives are deemed to be under threat. In reality, however, that has often be interpreted either in omission or with such latitude that outside observers have criticised lethal live fire as excessive force.
In the case of the weeks-long Gaza fence protests, which culminated today with scores of fatalities from Israeli fire, that criticism has only become louder.
During the weeks leading up to Monday’s protests well over 40 Palestinians had been killed demonstrating close to Gaza’s border fence with little evidence that any posed a serious threat to Israeli troops.
According to Mitch Ginsburg, writing in the Times of Israel on Monday:
“The orders are meant to be simple and clear. They cannot read like a UN resolution. They are repeated to soldiers before each operational action, sunk into the soldiers’ minds like an anchor.
“In the West Bank, for example, the rules often sound something like this: If you see someone with a weapon and feel in immediate danger, shoot to kill. If you feel danger but have time, instruct the person to stop, then fire once in the air, then fire to wound, then fire to kill.”
As Ginsburg points out, the rules of engagement are not set in stone, but their general thrust is supposed to avoid the risk civilian casualties and to be proportionate.
And Gaza has often been treated differently.
On Sunday, amid warnings that Palestinians would be allowed by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to try and storm the border fence, that distinction appears to have been seriously blurred with Israel warning in advance in an air drop of leaflets that Gaza residents they will be risking their lives if they approach the border during a planned mass protest and that it will “act against every attempt to damage the security fence or harm IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians.”
In other words, Israel had defined Monday’s demonstrations in advance – regardless of whether Israelis are targeted from the Gaza side of the fence – as a cover for Hamas ‘terrorism’ a point made clear in the leaflets.
“The Israel Defence Forces is determined to defend Israel’s citizens and sovereignty against Hamas’ attempts at terrorism undercover of violent riots,” the leaflets say. “Don’t get near the fence and don’t take part in Hamas’ show, which endangers you.”
According to the Israeli military at least one group on three men was fired on while reportedly placing an explosive device near the border fence, while an explosion near Jabaliya – which appeared to be an air strike – followed reported gun fire from that area.
And Israel’s interpretation of what is proportionate has already come under heavy criticism by a senior UN official and Israeli human rights groups even before today’s deaths.
Last month the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said in a statement noting that in four weeks in whih 42 Palestinians had been killed and more than 5,500 wounded along the fence in Gaza, against no reports of Israeli casualties seemed to confirm the use of “excessive force” had been used
“The loss of life is deplorable, and the staggering number of injuries caused by live ammunition only confirms the sense that excessive force has been used against demonstrators – not once, not twice, but repeatedly,” Zeid said.
A video message by Donald Trump is played at the US embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem.A video message by Donald Trump is played at the US embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem.
There are several references to peace. Trmp ends with this:There are several references to peace. Trmp ends with this:
“The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace. We wish Ambassador Friedman good luck as he takes up office in this beautiful Jerusalem embassy and we extend a hand in friendship to Israel, the Palestinians and to all of their neighbours. May there be peace. May God bless this embassy. May God bless all who serve there and may God bless the United States of America.”“The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace. We wish Ambassador Friedman good luck as he takes up office in this beautiful Jerusalem embassy and we extend a hand in friendship to Israel, the Palestinians and to all of their neighbours. May there be peace. May God bless this embassy. May God bless all who serve there and may God bless the United States of America.”
Two more Palestinians have been killed in the protests taking the death toll to 41, according to health officials in Gaza.Two more Palestinians have been killed in the protests taking the death toll to 41, according to health officials in Gaza.
Amnesty International has also condemned Israel’s use of force as the death toll rises still further.Amnesty International has also condemned Israel’s use of force as the death toll rises still further.
We are witnessing an abhorrent violation of Int law and human rights. 38 confirmed dead, including children/minors, with close to 2000 people injured in #Gaza . Many are reporting injuries to the head and chest. Over 500 injured with live ammunition. This horror must end now.We are witnessing an abhorrent violation of Int law and human rights. 38 confirmed dead, including children/minors, with close to 2000 people injured in #Gaza . Many are reporting injuries to the head and chest. Over 500 injured with live ammunition. This horror must end now.
Guests at the ceremony repeatedly chanted Trump’s name.Guests at the ceremony repeatedly chanted Trump’s name.
“Trump, Trump” chants #USEmbassyJerusalem pic.twitter.com/YGYkaCaDXy“Trump, Trump” chants #USEmbassyJerusalem pic.twitter.com/YGYkaCaDXy
US ambassador David Friedman welcomes guests to the US embassy in Jerusalem to long applause.US ambassador David Friedman welcomes guests to the US embassy in Jerusalem to long applause.
He said:He said:
The US finally takes the next step, a step long voted upon,litigated and prayed for all these years. Today we open the United States embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. Again the US leads the way as the first nation to do so. So many have worked so hard and for so long for this day to come and they all deserve our thanks. But make no mistake, today’s historic event is attributed to the vision, the courage and the moral clarity of one person to whom we owe an enormous an eternal debt of gratitude, President Donald J Trump.The US finally takes the next step, a step long voted upon,litigated and prayed for all these years. Today we open the United States embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. Again the US leads the way as the first nation to do so. So many have worked so hard and for so long for this day to come and they all deserve our thanks. But make no mistake, today’s historic event is attributed to the vision, the courage and the moral clarity of one person to whom we owe an enormous an eternal debt of gratitude, President Donald J Trump.
Mention of Trump prompts a standing ovation.Mention of Trump prompts a standing ovation.
B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, has condemned Israel for showing an “appalling indifference towards human life”.B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, has condemned Israel for showing an “appalling indifference towards human life”.
In a statement it said:In a statement it said:
The demonstrations held in Gaza today came as no surprise. Israel had plenty of time to come up with alternate approaches for dealing with the protests, apart from firing live ammunition. The fact that live gunfire is once again the sole measure that the Israeli military is using in the field evinces appalling indifference towards human life on the part of senior Israeli government and military officials. B’Tselem calls for an immediate halt to the killing of Palestinian demonstrators. If the relevant officials do not issue an order to stop the lethal fire, the soldiers in the field must refuse to comply with these manifestly unlawful open-fire orders.The demonstrations held in Gaza today came as no surprise. Israel had plenty of time to come up with alternate approaches for dealing with the protests, apart from firing live ammunition. The fact that live gunfire is once again the sole measure that the Israeli military is using in the field evinces appalling indifference towards human life on the part of senior Israeli government and military officials. B’Tselem calls for an immediate halt to the killing of Palestinian demonstrators. If the relevant officials do not issue an order to stop the lethal fire, the soldiers in the field must refuse to comply with these manifestly unlawful open-fire orders.
You can watch live coverage of the opening ceremony of the embassy in Jerusalem here courtesy of the US. The event is due to get underway in the next 15 minutes.You can watch live coverage of the opening ceremony of the embassy in Jerusalem here courtesy of the US. The event is due to get underway in the next 15 minutes.
Watch live coverage of @USEmbassyJerusalem opening ceremony, Streaming now!https://t.co/S8deinFwbOWatch live coverage of @USEmbassyJerusalem opening ceremony, Streaming now!https://t.co/S8deinFwbO
NBC’s Cal Perry notes the contrasts in the optics of the day: “Well dressed American and Israeli officials on one side of the screen: desperation, death and fires on the other.”NBC’s Cal Perry notes the contrasts in the optics of the day: “Well dressed American and Israeli officials on one side of the screen: desperation, death and fires on the other.”
Rarely, if ever have the Palestinians carried the sympathetic optics of the day. Especially with the Western media/television outlets. Well dressed American and Israeli officials on one side of the screen: desperation, death and fires on the other. #USEmbassyJerusalem #GazaRarely, if ever have the Palestinians carried the sympathetic optics of the day. Especially with the Western media/television outlets. Well dressed American and Israeli officials on one side of the screen: desperation, death and fires on the other. #USEmbassyJerusalem #Gaza
The death toll continues to rise rapidly, according to health officials in Gaza. It now stands at 37, Haaretz reports.The death toll continues to rise rapidly, according to health officials in Gaza. It now stands at 37, Haaretz reports.
#BREAKING: at least 37 protesters killed during the protests in #Gaza today - Gaza MoHAccording to Palestinian reports, Israeli fighter jets are now bombing Gaza pic.twitter.com/RYOMVQ7NH6#BREAKING: at least 37 protesters killed during the protests in #Gaza today - Gaza MoHAccording to Palestinian reports, Israeli fighter jets are now bombing Gaza pic.twitter.com/RYOMVQ7NH6
The Israel Defense Forces are pointing to incidents they say show how the protests are being used as a cover for “terrorism”.The Israel Defense Forces are pointing to incidents they say show how the protests are being used as a cover for “terrorism”.
The military said it “thwarted a terror attack” when three people attempted to place an explosive device adjacent to the security fence in the south of Gaza. All three were killed. It also said Israeli aircraft struck Hamas military posts in Gaza after its troops were fired on from the northern Gaza Strip. It did not provide further details.The military said it “thwarted a terror attack” when three people attempted to place an explosive device adjacent to the security fence in the south of Gaza. All three were killed. It also said Israeli aircraft struck Hamas military posts in Gaza after its troops were fired on from the northern Gaza Strip. It did not provide further details.
More than 35,000 Palestinians were estimated to be taking part at 12 locations across the strip, the IDF said. It added its soldiers were responding with “riot dispersal means and fire, and are operating according to standard operating procedures.”More than 35,000 Palestinians were estimated to be taking part at 12 locations across the strip, the IDF said. It added its soldiers were responding with “riot dispersal means and fire, and are operating according to standard operating procedures.”
A short while ago, 3 terrorists attempted to place an explosive device near the security fence in Rafah, under the cover of violent riots. In response, the IDF fired at the terrorists, who were killed pic.twitter.com/LFRRyfHDzlA short while ago, 3 terrorists attempted to place an explosive device near the security fence in Rafah, under the cover of violent riots. In response, the IDF fired at the terrorists, who were killed pic.twitter.com/LFRRyfHDzl
The number of people killed in the protest is rising ominously fast and now stands at 28, according to Reuters citing health officials.The number of people killed in the protest is rising ominously fast and now stands at 28, according to Reuters citing health officials.
It was the highest Palestinian single-day death toll since a series of protests dubbed the “Great March of Return” began at the border with Israel on 30 March and since a 2014 Gaza war.It was the highest Palestinian single-day death toll since a series of protests dubbed the “Great March of Return” began at the border with Israel on 30 March and since a 2014 Gaza war.
The health officials said 900 Palestinians were wounded, about 450 of them by live bullets.The health officials said 900 Palestinians were wounded, about 450 of them by live bullets.
Tens of thousands gathered at the frontier on Monday, some of them approaching Israel’s border fence - a line Israeli leaders vowed Palestinians would not be allowed to breach. Black smoke from tyres set alight by demonstrators rose in the air.Tens of thousands gathered at the frontier on Monday, some of them approaching Israel’s border fence - a line Israeli leaders vowed Palestinians would not be allowed to breach. Black smoke from tyres set alight by demonstrators rose in the air.
“Today is the big day when we will cross the fence and tell Israel and the world we will not accept being occupied forever,” said Gaza science teacher Ali, who declined to give his last name.“Today is the big day when we will cross the fence and tell Israel and the world we will not accept being occupied forever,” said Gaza science teacher Ali, who declined to give his last name.
“Many may get martyred today, so many, but the world will hear our message. Occupation must end,” he said.“Many may get martyred today, so many, but the world will hear our message. Occupation must end,” he said.
The 28 Palestinian dead on Monday included a 14-year-old boy, a medic and a man in a wheelchair who had been pictured on social media using a slingshot.The 28 Palestinian dead on Monday included a 14-year-old boy, a medic and a man in a wheelchair who had been pictured on social media using a slingshot.
The Israeli military identified three of those killed as armed militants whom it said tried to place explosives near the fence in the southern Gaza Strip.The Israeli military identified three of those killed as armed militants whom it said tried to place explosives near the fence in the southern Gaza Strip.
The latest casualties raised the Palestinian death toll to 73 since the protests started six weeks ago. No Israeli casualties have been reported.The latest casualties raised the Palestinian death toll to 73 since the protests started six weeks ago. No Israeli casualties have been reported.
The protests are scheduled to culminate on Tuesday, the day Palestinians mourn as the “Nakba” or “Catastrophe” when, in 1948, hundreds of thousands of them were driven out of their homes or fled the fighting around Israel’s creation.The protests are scheduled to culminate on Tuesday, the day Palestinians mourn as the “Nakba” or “Catastrophe” when, in 1948, hundreds of thousands of them were driven out of their homes or fled the fighting around Israel’s creation.
Most countries say the status of Jerusalem - a sacred city to Jews, Muslims and Christians - should be determined in a final peace settlement and that moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal.Most countries say the status of Jerusalem - a sacred city to Jews, Muslims and Christians - should be determined in a final peace settlement and that moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal.
UN rights experts have urged Israel to halt all excessive force against Palestinian protesters and called for an “impartial, independent investigation” into troop violence that has left dozens dead, AFP reports.UN rights experts have urged Israel to halt all excessive force against Palestinian protesters and called for an “impartial, independent investigation” into troop violence that has left dozens dead, AFP reports.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was “alarmed by the disproportionate use of force displayed by the Israeli security forces against Palestinian demonstrators.”The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was “alarmed by the disproportionate use of force displayed by the Israeli security forces against Palestinian demonstrators.”
The 18-member UN committee said it was “gravely concerned that many of the persons who died or were injured were reportedly posing no imminent threat at the time they were shot.”The 18-member UN committee said it was “gravely concerned that many of the persons who died or were injured were reportedly posing no imminent threat at the time they were shot.”
It also voiced alarm at “many reports according to which Israeli authorities have denied and continue to deny access to urgent medical treatment to injured Palestinians.”It also voiced alarm at “many reports according to which Israeli authorities have denied and continue to deny access to urgent medical treatment to injured Palestinians.”
The experts said the deaths and injuries were occurring “in a context marked by the 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territory” as well as a more than decade-long crippling blockade imposed on Gaza.The experts said the deaths and injuries were occurring “in a context marked by the 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territory” as well as a more than decade-long crippling blockade imposed on Gaza.
They said they were “deeply worried about persisting discriminatory practises against Palestinians by Israel,” and lamented “the absence of adequate accountability mechanisms” for troops accused of violations.They said they were “deeply worried about persisting discriminatory practises against Palestinians by Israel,” and lamented “the absence of adequate accountability mechanisms” for troops accused of violations.
Although Israel has publicly announced an investigation into events at the Gaza border, “an independent and impartial investigation has not yet taken place,” they said.Although Israel has publicly announced an investigation into events at the Gaza border, “an independent and impartial investigation has not yet taken place,” they said.
The committee urged Israel to quickly initiate such a probe, and also to “counter the tide of racism and xenophobia in public discourse ... (and) to combat racist acts and manifestations of racist hate speech that particularly target Palestinians.”The committee urged Israel to quickly initiate such a probe, and also to “counter the tide of racism and xenophobia in public discourse ... (and) to combat racist acts and manifestations of racist hate speech that particularly target Palestinians.”
An AFP reporter posted video of a Palestinian man and a young girl on a motorbike ducking as bullets are fired.An AFP reporter posted video of a Palestinian man and a young girl on a motorbike ducking as bullets are fired.
A Palestinian on a bike with his young daughter ducks as an Israeli sniper bullet lands nearby pic.twitter.com/EuWDWHZGdbA Palestinian on a bike with his young daughter ducks as an Israeli sniper bullet lands nearby pic.twitter.com/EuWDWHZGdb
Gaza’s health ministry says the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza border has risen to 25, Haaretz and AP reports.Gaza’s health ministry says the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza border has risen to 25, Haaretz and AP reports.
#BREAKING: 25 protesters killed in Gaza today - #Gaza MoH. 74 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the #GreatReturnMarch started. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded during that period pic.twitter.com/RmWIsAOthy#BREAKING: 25 protesters killed in Gaza today - #Gaza MoH. 74 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the #GreatReturnMarch started. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded during that period pic.twitter.com/RmWIsAOthy
BREAKING: Gaza Health Ministry says number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza border has risen to 25.BREAKING: Gaza Health Ministry says number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire near Gaza border has risen to 25.
Donald Trump has hailed the relocation of the embassy as a “great day” and urged his Twitter followers to watch the event on his favourite news channel. He made no mention of the protests that the move has provoked.Donald Trump has hailed the relocation of the embassy as a “great day” and urged his Twitter followers to watch the event on his favourite news channel. He made no mention of the protests that the move has provoked.
U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again thanked Trump for the embassy move. He called it “an amazing day” and also ignored the protests.Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again thanked Trump for the embassy move. He called it “an amazing day” and also ignored the protests.
What an amazing day! Thank you, @POTUS Trump. https://t.co/ehKp29jYLtWhat an amazing day! Thank you, @POTUS Trump. https://t.co/ehKp29jYLt
Trump’s decision to move the embassy last December ignited six weeks of protests as Gaza residents gathered near the Israel border, with groups throwing stones, burning tyres and vandalising perimeter defences.Trump’s decision to move the embassy last December ignited six weeks of protests as Gaza residents gathered near the Israel border, with groups throwing stones, burning tyres and vandalising perimeter defences.
Here’s the full text of leaflets dropped by Israeli military this morning in Gaza:Here’s the full text of leaflets dropped by Israeli military this morning in Gaza:
To the rioters,To the rioters,
You are taking part in violent riots that jeopardise your lives.You are taking part in violent riots that jeopardise your lives.
Hamas is taking advantage of you in order to hide its failures and is threatening you and your family members’ well-being.Hamas is taking advantage of you in order to hide its failures and is threatening you and your family members’ well-being.
The IDF is prepared to face all scenarios and will act against every attempt to damage the security fence or harm IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians.The IDF is prepared to face all scenarios and will act against every attempt to damage the security fence or harm IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians.
Do not let Hamas cynically use you as its puppet.Do not let Hamas cynically use you as its puppet.
Stay away from the security fence, from terror instigators and the violent rioters!Stay away from the security fence, from terror instigators and the violent rioters!
Save yourselves and prioritize building your future!Save yourselves and prioritize building your future!
IDF CommandIDF Command
The opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem later on Monday has prompted thousands of people to take to the streets of Gaza and the West Bank sparking a violent reaction from the Israeli forces.The opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem later on Monday has prompted thousands of people to take to the streets of Gaza and the West Bank sparking a violent reaction from the Israeli forces.
Health official say 16 Palestinians were killed and at least 200 injured in Gaza when troops fired shots at protesters.Health official say 16 Palestinians were killed and at least 200 injured in Gaza when troops fired shots at protesters.
Tens of thousands turned out at locations across the coastal enclave despite warnings from the Israeli military that Palestinians risked their lives by taking part.Tens of thousands turned out at locations across the coastal enclave despite warnings from the Israeli military that Palestinians risked their lives by taking part.
Moving the embassy has also provoked widespread diplomatic criticism.Moving the embassy has also provoked widespread diplomatic criticism.
Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, described the relocation of the embassy as “short-sighted.” And the Arab League called on the international community to oppose what it considers an “unjust decision” and the ongoing “Israeli occupation” of the city.Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, described the relocation of the embassy as “short-sighted.” And the Arab League called on the international community to oppose what it considers an “unjust decision” and the ongoing “Israeli occupation” of the city.
We will post live updates on the increasingly volatile scene in Gaza and the Palestinian territories and monitor the diplomatic fallout.We will post live updates on the increasingly volatile scene in Gaza and the Palestinian territories and monitor the diplomatic fallout.