Israeli soldiers kill 41 Palestinians in Gaza protests against US embassy

Israeli forces shot and killed at least 41 Palestinians during protests on Monday along the Gaza border, Palestinian health officials said.

Gaza’s health ministry says 500 people were wounded Monday, including at least 69 by live fire.

The Israeli military has accused Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement of instigating Palestinians to try to breach Israel’s border fence and said Israeli soldiers use live ammunition to stop them.

Monday’s deaths bring to 83 the number of Palestinians killed during mass border marches that began in late March and are aimed at breaking a decade-old blockade of the territory.

Israel has said it would prevent a potential breach of the Gaza border at all costs. It has drawn international criticism for what rights groups say are unlawful open-fire rules. Israel says it has the right to defend its border.

Monday’s protests also targeted the opening of the United States embassy in contested Jerusalem later in the day.