US opens Jerusalem embassy amid death of 52 protesters
The US on Monday opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump, amid a bloodbath right on the border with Gaza where Israeli soldiers shot dead at least 52 Palestinians in clashes, in the deadliest escalation of violence since 2014.
Trump announced the decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December, when he formally recognised the holy city as the capital of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.
“Today, we officially opened the United States embassy in Jerusalem. Congratulations. It’s been a long time coming,” President Trump said in a prerecorded video at the US embassy opening here.
“Israel is a sovereign nation, with the right like any other sovereign nation, to designate its capital,” he said. Trump said the US remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestinians.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Thank you, President Trump, for having the courage to keep your promise.”
Meanwhile, Palestinians protested massively along the Gaza border and clashed with Israeli forces, leading to the death of at least 52 of them.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 2,400 people suffered injuries.
The Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party accused Israel of committing a “terrible massacre”.