Gaza Confrontation Spurs International Criticism
Israel is receiving international backlash this week after Israeli Defense Forces on Monday opened fire across a border fence on Palestinian protesters, killing at least 59 and wounding thousands more. The deadly protests, which have been happening along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip since late March, were fueled in part this week by the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The Israeli military accused protesters of trying to cross the border and said some hurled explosives at Israeli troops.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed the casualty count and said at least six minors were among the dead. More than 2,700 people sustained injuries, and about 130 of them remain in serious or critical condition. Protest organizers set aside Tuesday to bury the dead.
