At least 52 Palestinians have been killed, many at the hands of Israeli soldiers, as they protested the U.S. decision to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, according to the Associated Press.
The protests and deaths were reported just hours before the U.S. was set to officially open its new embassy in a celebration that includes several U.S. Republican lawmakers.
The deaths were a result of Israeli snipers firing at the over 35,000 protesters and at least 1,200 have been injured.
BREAKING: Gaza’s health officials say total of 52 Palestinians killed, more than 1,200 wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza.
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 14, 2018
In the weeks leading up to the official embassy move, Palestinian protesters have been moving towards the border, calling for the fence to be torn down. According to multiple reports, more than 50 Palestinians have lost their lives in the weeks of protests leading up to Monday.
In Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis and world supporters of the state are celebrating ahead of the embassy dedication ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. ET.
