WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the scheduledopening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as “a great day for Israel,” even asdeadly clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces onthe Gaza border.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 25 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fireand hundreds more wounded amid mass protests on the border against thetransfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, insteadinviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening onFox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT.

“Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day forIsrael!” Trump tweeted.

The US delegation to the inaugural ceremony includes US Deputy Secretary ofState James Sullivan, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Trump´s daughterIvanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Trump announced the embassy move on December 6 in recognition of Jerusalemas Israel´s capital, to the cheers of Israel´s Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu.

But the move has infuriated Palestinians, upending longstanding US policythat the disputed city´s status should be negotiated between Israel and thePalestinians as part of a comprehensive peace agreement. – APP/AFP