UN Security Council To Meet After Gaza Violence

The UN Security Council plans to meet today to discuss violence along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip following the deadliest day there since a 2014 war.

At least 58 Palestinians were killed and more than 2,700 injured during a mass protest along the Gaza border to protest a blockade of their territory and the move of the US Embassy to contested Jerusalem that day.

The Gaza Health Ministry said six of those killed by gunshots were minors and a baby died from tear gas inhalation.

It was the deadliest day in Gaza since a 2014 war between Israel and Hamas.

Israel said its troops were defending its border and accused Hamas militants of trying to attack under the cover of the protest.

It was not immediately clear what might come out of the council session, which had been called for by Kuwait.

On Monday, the UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said:

“The Secretary-General is profoundly alarmed by the sharp escalation of violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the high number of Palestinians killed and injured in the Gaza protests.”

He called for the Israel security forces to exercise “maximum restraint” in the use of live fire.

"Hamas and the leaders of the demonstrations have a responsibility to prevent all violent actions and provocations,” the statement added.