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Relocating the U.S. Embassy : Israeli forces kill dozens of Palestinian protesters in Gaza

Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians taking part in mass protests in the Gaza strip to denounce the opening of American embassy in Jerusalem.

Tear gas at demonstrations near the border between Gaza and Israel on Monday./Ph. Mohammed Abed/Agence France-Presse
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Dozens of Palestinians have been killed, Monday, in the Gaza strip after taking part in mass protests, denouncing the transfer of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Al-Quds.

According to the Palestinian Health minister quoted by Le Monde, 52 people at least were killed in the protests while hundreds were wounded. «As the Israeli and American festivities take place, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is witnessing one of its deadliest days since 2014», said the same source.

Palestinian authorities say the clashes took place near the Israeli borders. They reported that several journalists and civilians were shot by the Israeli troops.

On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted stating that it is a «bid day for Israel. Congratulations !». The Republican did not attend the inauguration and sent instead his daughter Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law.

Donald Trump’s advisors and a number of Israeli and American senior officials attended the «controversial» ceremony.

For the record, President Trump announced in December that he intends to relocate the American embassy, moving it from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. His decision has created tension when first revealed, pushing several Arab leaders to denounce the act seen as «destabilizing».

Moroccan reaction

King Mohammed VI sent a message to Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, rejecting «the US Administration's decision, given its grave repercussions on the peace process prospects».

The sovereign reiterated his refusal of this unilateral act that runs counter the will that is continuously expressed by the international community which calls for refraining from any action that could alter Al Quds' established political status.

King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his firm commitment to continue working with the US administration to provide a balanced stand that would restore trust and revive the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli parties.

«We will spare no effort for the mobilization of the international community and its lifeblood to ensure the triumph of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to the establishment of an independent state with eastern Al Quds as capital».

The Arab League is expected to hold an extraordinary meeting, Wednesday, to discuss today’s inauguration, reports Europa Press. The permanent representatives at the Arab League will meet «to thwart the illegal decision adopted by the United States», concluded the same source.