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Hundreds have been wounded as demonstrators clashed with border guards on the 70th anniversary of Israel’s founding
AT least 37 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire amid huge protests along the border with Gaza today, according to officials.
Dozens more have also been wounded as demonstrators clashed with border guards on the 70th anniversary of Israel’s founding.
Loudspeakers on Gaza mosques urged Palestinians to join protests today – the same day the US embassy is controversially set to move to Jerusalem.
Black smoke from tyres burned by demonstrators rose into the air at the border, as activists tried to use the smoke as cover from snipers.
Masked protesters hurled stones towards the border fences as Israeli troops fired volleys of tear gas and live bullets back into the crowds.
At least 37 Palestinians – including a 14-year-old boy – have so far been killed today.
More than 900 more have been wounded by Israeli fire, Palestinian health officials said.
Gaza science teacher Ali, who declined to give his last name, said: “Today is the big day when we will cross the fence and tell Israel and the world we will not accept being occupied forever.
“Many may get martyred today, so many. But the world will hear our message – occupation must end.”
The border area has seen daily protests against a decade-old blockade of the territory for the last two weeks.
But today’s demonstration – on the day of the embassy move – is being billed as the biggest yet.
The decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem was controversial because both Israel and Palestine claim the city as their capital.
When Trump announced the move in December, it was seen by many has a setback to the peace process.
It sparked widespread protests across the Muslim world and fears of more unrest in the Middle East, with Arab leaders blasting the decision.
