By the Gazette Editorial Board When deciding which day to transfer the US embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem, confirming US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, both the US and Israel were fully aware of the consequences of making such a provocative move on the very day the Palestinians were commemorating their Nakba. May 15 is a day of joy for the Israelis and of sadness for the Palestinians. Each side has been remembering the day in its own way for the past 70 years. Israel celebrates its creation on that day while the Palestinians remember with sadness the expulsion of around 700,000 Palestinians from their homeland, so Israel could be created. However, this year Israel, which has the upper hand in the country and the absolute support and protection of the biggest power in the world, decided to increase its joy and to deepen the Palestinians' sadness. By choosing the 70th anniversary of its creation to celebrate the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem, Israel's aim was to kill the Palestinians' dream of re-establishing their state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel does not much care that its actions are adding to the long line of Palestinians who are martyred while baring their chests in resistance to the Zionist occupation of their land. Neither is it concerned about closing the door to any chance of peace in the foreseeable future. Israel got ready for the historic moment by organising a luxurious reception for the American dignitaries including Trump's daughter and son-in-law, who had come to inaugurate the US embassy in its new location in Jerusalem. At the same time, Israel doubled its forces on the border with Gaza and the West Bank and ordered them to use live bullets against the Palestinians who had announced they would march towards the border, to protest against the decade-long siege of the enclave and the loss of Jerusalem to the occupying power. Under the pretext of protecting its borders against the Palestinian 'intruders', Israel has ordered the excessive use of force against the Palestinian protestors and has killed some 58 civilians and injured more than 2,700. The number of deaths is sure to rise, because the injuries sustained are severe. However, Israel will neither be brought to account nor will it be blamed by the international community for its crimes against the Palestinian civilians whom it has branded as terrorists to justify its extreme violence against them. Israel's stand does not differ much from that of the US since the White House has blamed Hamas for the tragic deaths. Commenting on the violence on the Monday preceding the 15th, Raj Shah, the White House Deputy Press Secretary said, "We believe Hamas is responsible for these tragic deaths," he told reporters. "Their rather cynical exploitation of the situation is what's leading to these deaths and we want it stopped." He said. It is true that the international community has condemned Israel's disproportionate use of force against the Palestinian demonstrators, but Israel is still confident that the crime will go unpunished thanks to the full protection afforded it by the US at the International Organisation. The US has prevented the holding of a Security Council session to discuss Monday's events and has blocked a call for an independent investigation of the tragic Monday. In a recorded message at the opening ceremony of the embassy, President Trump claimed he was committed to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He neglected the fact that the fire he had set in Jerusalem would never die down, nor would there be any peace for the Palestinians or the Israelis who would soon realise that their joy is short-lived, and Jerusalem will continue to be considered occupied Palestinian territory.
