The U.S. Embassy in Israel has been relocated to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, signaling the status of Jerusalem as the "true" capitol of Israel. As the ceremony for the new embassy open took place, protesters could be heard outside objecting to this appropriation of Jerusalem.
As Gazans overtook a key checkpoint used to regulate movement into the region, Israeli forces fired and killed 43 to 52 people so far according to various news sources. Palestinian activists and officials say Israeli forces used disproportionate force by firing on unarmed protesters. Israel says their actions are justified as they were responding to people "preparing acts of terror" and carrying semi-automatic weapons.
As usual, the U.S. is unconcerned about the loss of Palestinian life. The Trump administration knew protests would occur with the relocation of the embassy, but went on anyways in support of Israel's occupation and domination of the area. The move signals more support of the Israeli Zionist regime, and not being concerned with working on a peaceful solution that takes Palestinians into consideration. Jerusalem is now on it's way to being the Israeli capitol.
This move to take Jerusalem for Israel alone has been objected by most Palestinians, and is another barrier to real peace. Protests within the Israeli controlled parts of Jerusalem were peaceful, but other parts sparked larger unrest. Over 35,000 Palestinians protested in 12 different locations, with most clashes between Israeli forces happening in Gaza.
Tuesday May 15th will be the 70th anniversary of the Nakba Day, where there was a mass exodus of Palestinians from their homes during the establishment of the state of Israel. There has been a six-week long "March of Return" demonstration leading up to the Nakba Day commemoration.
Israel recently celebrated it's 70th year of existence, having been created on May 12, 1948. It has since occupied much of the preexisting Palestinian land and continued to encroach and steal land for it's ever-expanding settlements. Peace in the region has been hard to achieve as a result.
As the former country of Palestine shrinks since the creation of Israel in 1948, Israel grows. Palestinians commemorate a terrible time in their past, the Nakba Day, while Israel celebrates it's 70th year, created through domination and oppression of the people the land was taken from. Meanwhile the U.S. promotes Israel dominance and supports the occupiers who continue to take more land. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a "great day for peace" as the U.S. Embassy opening coincided with Israel birthday.
Israel isn't going anywhere. But things need to change in the region. Many Israelis recognize the errors of the past and don't want the current governmental authoritarian policies to represent them. But the far-right has long been dominant in Israel. Maybe someday that will change...
References:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/israeli-troops-kill-at-least-43-palestinians-in-gaza-protests-1.3494464
https://www.rt.com/news/426617-gaza-protests-embassy-jerusalem/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/14/palestinians-killed-israeli-troops-gaza-protests-ahead-us-embassy/
https://abcnews.go.com/International/dead-hundreds-injured-palestinians-protest-opening-us-embassy/story?id=55143043
https://www.rt.com/usa/426653-us-embassy-jerusalem-opening-ceremony/
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/14/middleeast/gaza-protests-intl/index.html
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