NAN reports that the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said 58 Palestinians were killed and nearly 1,000 were injured in violent clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel.
Israeli security forces said they were responding to deliberate attempts, spurred by Hamas, to overwhelm and breach the boundary fence to launch terror attacks in Israel.
In addition to protesting the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Palestinians were also marking the 70th anniversary of what they call the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” of Israel’s creation in 1948.
The Israeli army said three of the Palestinians killed on Monday were trying to plant explosives at the border fence.
In two separate incidents, IDF troops opened fire on gunmen who were trying to shoot them, Hadashot TV news said.
There were also several Israeli airstrikes on Hamas positions in Gaza.
According to the army, tens of thousands took part in the protests at several points along the border. (NAN)