Two Dead in Protests at Gaza Border Over US Embassy Move

As the preparations were being finalized to officially open the United States embassy in Jerusalem, protests across the border in Gaza turned violent as thousands of Palestinians marched toward the border. Two were killed and at least 69 wounded in exchanges with the Israeli border guards.

Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank were being urged to come out and protest not only the U.S. embassy move but also the 70^th anniversary of what they call the “Nakba” or catastrophe…as they call the creation of the state of Israel.

Israel Police are preparing for the U.S. embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with thousands of policemen deployed through the city. At 4:00 P.M. (Israel Time), the official ceremony will take place at the U.S. Consulate in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem, which will officially become the U.S. embassy this week.

Clashes erupted between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters marching from Ramallah towards the Qalandiyah security barrier near Jerusalem. Israeli Army is also confronting dozens of protest marchers in the north of Bethlehem.

A Palestinian, 29, was killed by Israeli live gunfire east of Jabaliya, the Gaza Health Ministry reports. This is the death reported from Monday’s protest.

The Arab League is meeting to condemn the “illegal” U.S. move of its embassy to Jerusalem, the site of its consulate until today. Not surprisingly, Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri released a video on Sunday condemning the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem, calling on Muslims to wage jihad against the U.S.

He also called out Palestinian leaders for their “policy of appeasement.” He also called  Tel Aviv, the land of the Muslims, however, the city was settled by Jewish immigrants early in the 20^th century.

To read the entire article from Haaretz, click here:

Photo screenshot of Reuters video, Palestinian protester drags burning tires to the border between Gaza and Israel