More than a dozen Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces before U.S. Embassy ceremony
The U.S. is ceremoniously opening its new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem at 4 p.m. local time, and by 2:30 p.m., at least 18 Palestinian protesters were shot dead by Israeli police along the Gaza border, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. At least 69 other Palestinians have been wounded by live fire, and 900 were wounded, the health ministry said. Israel's military estimates that 35,000 Palestinians are protesting along the border. Mass protests have been held along the Gaza border for weeks, and with the 16 fatalities reported so far Monday, 60 Palestinians have been killed since late March.
The Palestinians have been protesting the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt, and President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, not the internationally recognized Tel Aviv, has fueled anger. Palestinians claim occupied East Jerusalem as their future capital. Human rights groups have called Israel's allowing live fire against protesters approaching the border as unlawful, but Israel says it will do anything to protect the border along its occupied territories. The Israeli military moved to fortify the border and add troops ahead of Monday's embassy opening, which is happening 70 years after Israel was founded, an occasion Palestinians remember as the "nakba," or catastrophe.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published