LIVE UPDATES Jerusalem Embassy and Gaza Protests: 52 killed (4:52 pm), more than 1,600 reported Wounded by Israeli Gunfire at Border Fence

Palestinian protestors watch tear gas and billowing smoke near border fence

Haaretz staff write, “Dozens of Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israel on Monday in Gaza as dignitaries convened in Jerusalem for the highly anticipated official opening of the U.S. embassy. At 4:00 P.M., the opening ceremony of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem began at the American consulate in the Arnona neighborhood, which is now the official U.S. Embassy.”

“Meanwhile, Palestinians throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem were urged to turn out en masse to protest the embassy move and take part in Tuesday’s 70th anniversary of the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” as Palestinians term Israel’s creation. Tens of thousands of Palestinians marched on the border with Gaza.

6:52 P.M. Death toll in Gaza protests climbs to 52

Gaza’s health officials say total of 52 Palestinians killed, more than 1,200 wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza. (AP)

6:20 P.M. UN rights chief condemns ‘shocking, outrageous killing’ of Gaza protesters

5:59 P.M. Abbas to convene the Palestinian leadership on Monday night

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas ordered a meeting of the Palestinian leadership council, the PLO acting committee and the Fatah central committee to discuss the situation in Gaza. (Jack Khoury)

“11:35 A.M. Israeli Arab lawmaker: ‘Today is a dark day’

MK Yousef Jabareen (Joint List) says his party will protest in front of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. “Today is a dark day for seekers of justice and peace – transferring the embassy to Jerusalem is a spit in the face of the international community, and crtically impedes the chance for peace in the entire region,” said Jabareen.

Jabareen called East Jerusalem “occupied territory since 1967,” and its annexation a violation of international law. He added that the alliance between “pyromaniacs” Trump and Netanyahu is dangerous and leading the region to ruin. (Jack Khoury)” (more…)

thousands of Palestinians protest at Gaza border

Times of Israel staff and agencies, “The Israeli military’s spokesman on Monday evening said the level of violence in Palestinians protests earlier in the day along the Gaza border was “unprecedented,” as dozens of Gazans were reportedly killed and hundreds more injured in the riots. However, despite the fierceness of the clashes, the spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis, said the Hamas terror group, which rules the Gaza Strip, appeared to have failed to bring out protesters in sufficient “numbers to be considered a political victory.”

“Hamas, and the IDF, anticipated that over 100,000 people would participate in Monday’s demonstrations along the border fence. But ultimately, the army calculated that only 40,000 people took part, though Manelis acknowledged the final tally may be higher. Manelis said Hamas attempted to convince and pressure Palestinians to come to the border protests, tried to bribe them by offering “$100 per family that comes,” and threatened people by accusing them of being “collaborators” if they do not attend the protests.”…

“Manelis said the IDF was expecting protests to continue on Tuesday and potentially for several additional days. …

“In response to the three attacks, the Israeli army destroyed a number of Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. Fighter jets also destroyed five Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip, and Israeli tanks and aircraft struck two more, the army said.” (more…)