Israeli forces have shot dead two Palestinian protester during demonstrations ahead of the US Embassy inauguration in Jerusalem, the Palestinian health ministry said Monday.
The first of Monday's deaths was 21 year-old man, killed east of Khan Yunis, a spokesperson for the ministry said earlier. The two deaths bring the number of fatalities since the Great March of Return protests began six weeks ago to 47.
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استشهاد انس حمدان قديح 21 عام شرق خان يونس— د.أشرف القدرة (@press221) May 14, 2018
Tuesday marks the commemoration of Nakba Day, which Palestinians refer to as their forced mass exodus from their homes during the establishment of the state of Israel, and which is celebrated among Israelis as Independence Day. Thousands of people have gathered near the border to take part in Monday's protests.
Live footage from Ramallah in the West Bank and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza strip shows crowds gathering to demonstrate against the embassy relocation.
Huge demonstrations are expected to mark the May 15 event, which brings to a close the six-week Great March of Returndemonstrations.
Earlier the Palestinian Red Crescent said that 22 Palestinians have been wounded from Israeli gunfire in Monday mornings clashes. A journalist is reportedly among those wounded.
The IDF dropped leaflets warning people in Gaza to stay away from the security fence ahead of Mondays protests. Demonstrators in North Gaza brought down an IDF drone that was allegedly dropping fire bombs on tents, according to the Great Return March movement.
READ MORE: Israel fires tear gas, drops leaflets warning Palestinians to stay away from border
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