US Embassy opening ceremony in Jerusalem as Palestinians killed in protests

Meanwhile, according to the IDF, an estimated 35,000 Palestinians are taking part in 12 separate protests. Called ‘The Great Return March,’ they are nominally dedicated to the return of Palestinians to their homeland, but are particularly intense in view of the embassy decision, which was vehemently condemned by the Palestinian leadership.

The UK, Germany, and Washington’s other European allies also criticized the move, which provoked an initial wave of unrest, saying it would further destabilize the region.

READ MORE: US Embassy opening ceremony in Jerusalem as Palestinians killed in protests (WATCH LIVE)

The Palestinian Ministry of Health says that 37 people have been killed by Israeli forces during the current demonstrations. Israel has not provided figures of its own, but claims all those dead were either engaged in violence or terrorism under the guise of political protest.

Palestinian officials and activists on the ground have accused Israeli soldiers of firing on unarmed protesters, and other disproportionate uses of force.

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