May 15, 2018

What you need to know about the U.S. embassy’s move to Jerusalem

By: Ilan Goldenberg

At least 52 Palestinian protesters were killed in clashes with Israeli troops near the Gaza border as the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem was officially opened Monday, Gaza's Health Ministry said. 

It said 2,400 had been injured, with dozens wounded by gunfire, in what was the deadliest day in Gaza since the 2014 war with Israel. While the relocation the embassy has been widely condemned as a provocation to Palestinians and an obstacle to Middle East peace prospects, the timing of the move has only thrown oil on the fire. 

 The move was scheduled to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel’s founding, a national day of celebration for Israelis that, for Palestinians, represents a disaster. Palestinians observe the following day, May 15, as the Day of Nakba (Catastrophe), an event that's typically marked by mass protests.

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