Site icon Turkish Minute

[UPDATED] Israeli troops kill scores of Palestinians as US Embassy opens in Jerusalem

Palestinians carry a demonstrator injured during clashes with Israeli forces near the border between the Gaza strip and Israel east of Gaza City on May 14, 2018, as Palestinians protest over the inauguration of the US embassy following its controversial move to Jerusalem. Dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on May 14 as tens of thousands protested and clashes erupted along the Gaza border against the US transfer of its embassy to Jerusalem, after months of global outcry, Palestinian anger and exuberant praise from Israelis over President Donald Trump's decision tossing aside decades of precedent. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas COEX

At least 62 Palestinians were killed and more than 2,700 wounded by Israeli troops in clashes on the Gaza border, BBC reported, citing Palestinian officials.

The violence erupted as the US Embassy was opening in Jerusalem, which has infuriated the Palestinians.

They see it as clear US backing for Israeli rule over the whole city, whose eastern part Palestinians lay claim to.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israeli authorities of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians, as Turkish government declared a three day national mourning over the incident.

Top US officials, including President Donald Trump’s daughter and her husband, are attending Monday’s event.

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.

Children were among those killed on Monday, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

Palestinians hurled stones and firebombs, while the Israeli military used snipers as black smoke poured from burning tires.

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.”

Liked it? Take a second to support Turkish Minute on Patreon!
Exit mobile version