Israel has faced a torrent of international criticism for its response to protests in Gaza this week, as the Netanyahu government defended the country’s right to secure its borders.
Palestinians in Gaza buried their dead yesterday after clashes with Israel’s military at the fence separating the territory from Israel a day earlier left about 60 people dead and thousands injured. The Israel Defence Forces said Hamas operatives were killed.
The violence came as Palestinians protested against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday and Tuesday’s 70th anniversary of the creation of the Israeli state. The events provoked an uproar among foreign governments, leading to renewed international scrutiny of Israel’s fraught relationship with the Palestinians.
Turkey temporarily expelled Israel’s ambassador and recalled its own envoy. Belgium and Ireland summoned the Israeli ambassadors there to express extreme displeasure with Israel’s response in Gaza. South Africa recalled its ambassador.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called Israel’s use of live fire “deeply troubling”, and urged “an independent investigation” into it and what role was played by Hamas, the political and militant group that controls Gaza.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting, and Kuwait said it planned to circulate a resolution overnight condemning the violence and calling for protection of Palestinians.
Read the article in The Australian by Felicia Schwartz (from The Wall Street Journal).