52 Palestinians Killed, 1700 Wounded In Gaza Protests Ahead Of Embassy Opening
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Monday, the United States formally opened its embassy in Jerusalem, officially recognizing it as Israel's capital; a city Palestinians also claim as its capital.
The move by the Trump Administration brought reactions from around the world, as well as from Jewish and Palestinian leaders in Baltimore.
"On the one hand it was a celebratory day for recognizing Jerusalem as a capital. On the other hand, we understand it is complicated," says Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council.
"As a Palestinian and as an American, I think it's a very sad day today," says Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations.
The embassy move ignited protests in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli forces killed 52 protesters and wounded 1,700 others when large numbers of Palestinians stormed an Israeli security fence.
Israel says the militant group Hammas was behind the violence. Palestinians say it's stoked by decades of exile from their homeland.
"Israel has massacred more than 50 people--protesters. Imagine if this had happened in the U.S. Imagine if it happened elsewhere," Awad adds. "The world would be up in flames."
It also widens the gulf for any possibility of peace talks.
"I know there's a lot of violence in the territories, " says Libit. "It's very difficult. Ultimately we have to get back to the negotiating table and find a long term, comprehensive peace."
"I don't think we'll see hope in the future, so our government has to switch its mindset, and has to reflect our values as Americans who believe in freedom and justice for all," Awad says.
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