Palestinian Death Toll Rises In Gaza Clashes As US Opens Embassy In Jerusalem
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JERUSALEM (CBSMiami) - The death toll continues to rise as thousands of Palestinians protest the United States moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israeli forces killed dozens of Palestinians in bloody clashes at the Gaza border Monday in the deadliest day there since the 2014 war, as the US officially opened its Embassy in Jerusalem just 50 miles away.
At least 58 Palestinians died, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, during protests over the Trump administration's controversial relocation of the Embassy from Tel Aviv, a move that has been praised by Israelis but has enraged Palestinians.
Most of the dead were killed by Israeli fire near the border. Israeli drones also dropped tear gas in an effort to disperse protesters.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, President Trump appeared by video to celebrate the new embassy location, five months after he formally recognized the city as the Capital of Israel.
"Today we officially open the US Embassy in Jerusalem, congratulations," said President Trump.
"This is history, President Trump by recognizing history you have made history," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But Palestinians are marking a different kind of history.
This embassy move comes on the 70th anniversary of Israel becoming a country, a day Palestinians call 'Nakba', meaning 'the catastrophe.'
Palestinians hope to claim part of Jerusalem as their future capital.
Protests at the Gaza border have been met with deadly force.
"This is the life of the Palestinian people and those who think that opening the embassy opened doors to peace, let them really know what is happening in the Gaza Strip," said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Representative to the United Nations.
The White House was asked whether Israel should show some restraint.
"We believe Hamas bears the responsibility. But this is a propaganda attempt," said Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah.
The reaction around the world has varied.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have condemned Israel for what they describe as violent use of force against Palestinian civilians.
South Africa and Turkey have removed their ambassadors to Israel; Turkey has also withdrawn its ambassador to the U.S.
Russia, the UK and France say they disagree with the embassy move and Iran says the move will speed up Israel's annihilation.
The new embassy is in an old U.S. Consular building until a larger site can be found.
All 86 foreign missions in Israel were invited to the opening ceremonies but only 33 went.
First Daughter Ivanka Trump along with husband and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner led the American delegation.