Dozens of Palestinians have been reported dead in violent confrontations between some 40,000 Gazans and Israeli troops. According to reports streaming out of the region, citing Palestinian health officials, more than 50 demonstrators have been killed as of 6 pm, local time.
According to the Times of Israel, the clashes represent the deadliest day in Gaza since a cross-border war erupted in 2014.
While the Israeli government and many supporters of the move are placing the blame on demonstrators they say are intentionally putting women and children in harm’s way and instigating violence, human rights advocacy groups are condemning Israel’s use of force as a disproportionate and gross violation of international norms.
Critics of Israel’s response have highlighted the mounting death toll, including children and unarmed protestors, while headlines in Israel report that terror operatives and some armed members of “Hamas-spurred” groups trying to “breach the border” were among the casualties.
“Shocking killing of dozens, injury of hundreds by Israeli live fire in #Gaza must stop now. The right to life must be respected. Those responsible for outrageous human rights violations must be held to account. The int’l community needs to ensure justice for victims” – #Zeid. pic.twitter.com/hBb7825Sp8
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) May 14, 2018
Violent clashes were widely anticipated in response to an official ceremony marking the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. The move, which followed US President Donald Trump’s decision in December of last year to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, has faced international criticism, with many leaders fearing it would lead to unrest.
The spokesman for UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that Britain is concerned by the reports of violence, reiterating the country’s call to “avoid actions destructive to peace efforts.” Following Trump’s initial announcement that the US would move its embassy in December, May said in a statement that “we believe [the embassy move] is unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region. The British Embassy to Israel is based in Tel Aviv and we have no plans to move it.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also issued a statement urging restraint.
“France calls on all actors to show responsibility to prevent a new escalation,” Le Drian was quoted by Haaretz as saying in a statement. “France again calls on the Israeli authorities to exercise discernment and restraint in the use of force that must be strictly proportionate.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also reportedly lobbied the Trump administration alongside Macron and the European Union to abandon his campaign promise to relocate the embassy.
While Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, were in Jerusalem as part of a large American delegation to attend the ceremony on Monday, the US president congratulated Israel via Twitter.
Big day for Israel. Congratulations!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2018
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Trump at the dedication ceremony, saying “Trump, by recognizing history, you have made history,” as reported by Haaretz. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said of Palestinian protestors that “those provoking violence are part of the problem, not solution.”
Maybe the headline ought to read: In celebration of opening an embassy in Jereusalem and in paying homage to the god in which they believe, the US and Israelis sacrifed in joy multitudes of Palestinians.
Only armed conflict will bring resolution. Time for peacefull protest is long past. Start with over throw of Saudi regime and use the weapons to take care of Israel.
chosen Evils ….
Jody Swearingen Something to consider: people of the Jewish faith have boxed themselves into the state of Israel which if it proves to be as criminal and corrupt as the current benefactor (the USA), then such state at some point will implode on its own without any help from outsiders.
Repressive regimes in their final days always shoot down unarmed people.
They only need few good missiles pointed to Demona!!..it will solve centuries old dispute.
Is’nt that what goes on with most muslim countries where women, minorities are suppressed and I have never heard people like you or human rights groups making any noise.
Anthony Martin lol is this the new Russia Russia chant, come on get real.
Jody Swearingen Try reading: Transformation of War by Martin Crevald (Israeli military analyst). "The problem is that you can not prove yourself against someone who is much weaker than yourself…if you are strong, and you are fighting the weak, than anything you do is criminal."
No mention that 50 of those who died were Hamas paramilitaries (i.e., terrorists) and three others were members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. That leaves nine civilian deaths — no word on whether they were being used as human shields or if they were just useful idiots.