Gaza protests - as it happened: Two Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in second day of deadly violence
Two countries recall ambassadors while UN describes conduct as 'shocking'
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Israel has faced widespread international condemnation after 58 people including a baby were killed in protests in Gaza, where Israeli soldiers met rocks thrown by Palestinians with live ammunition.
A 51-year-old man was also killed in Tuesday's more muted demonstrations, along with another protester, bringing the total number of dead to 60.
The US joined Israel in blaming Hamas for the deaths, with the Israeli military suggesting the terrorist group attempted armed violence under cover of the demonstrations against Donald Trump’s move of the US embassy to Jerusalem.
Turkey and South Africa, staunchly aligned with the Palestinians, recalled their ambassadors to Israel while Boris Johnson said: “We understand that some have been provoking that violence but on the other hand there has got to be restraint in the use of live rounds.”
Khaled Batch, the head of the organising committee of protests, said Tuesday would be a day for funerals. It is also what Palestinians call the “Nakba” day, the anniversary of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians’ displacement following Israel’s founding.
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Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas urged the international community to condemn what he called “massacres” carried out by Israeli troops in Gaza.
Of the 59 Palestinians killed, six were children, Gaza's health ministry said. Some 1,360 Palestinians were wounded by bullets, including 130 who were in serious or critical condition.
Egypt, an important ally of Israel, condemned the killings while the UN human rights chief, Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, decried the “shocking killing of dozens”.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, called on Israel to respect the “principle of proportionality in the use of force” and show restraint, while also urging Hamas to ensure any protests remain peaceful.
Additional reporting by agencies
Boris Johnson has now said he is "extremely saddened" by the deaths of 58 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday.
In a new statement the foreign secretary reiterated his call for restraint in the use of live ammunition.
China has called on Israel to exercise restraint along its border with Gaza a day after 58 Palestinians were killed in a protest.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China "opposes violent acts targeting innocent people" and urged all sides to avoid escalating tensions.
Lu said China believed in a two-state resolution and that the status of Jerusalem should be resolved through dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have rallied in recent weeks near Israel's border fence to protest a blockade of Gaza and the move of the US embassy to contested Jerusalem.
China has long championed the Palestinian cause while also maintaining close economic, diplomatic and military relations with Israel.
AP
A total of 2,771 people were wounded in Monday's unrest, the World Health Organisation has said.
That includes 1,360 wounded by bullets, 400 by shrapnel and 980 from gas inhalation.
Most of the gunshot victims were hit in the legs, the organisation said.
Israel's public security minister has twice invoked the Nazis in responding to yesterday's violence at the Gaza border.
Gilad Erdan tweeted that Hamas was "cynical" and "Nazi-like", and appeared to suggest that all the dead Palestinians were involved in terrorist activity.
He said: "Despite the number of deaths we must remember and be reminded: we are not talking about mere demonstrations, we are talking about terrorists from a terror organisation that are threatening the inhabitants of Israel.
"No country would allow a terrorist organisation to send terrorists to break into their land.
"All of the responsibility for the spilt blood lies with Hamas. With an endless Nazi-like viciousness they spill blood in order to cover up their failure as leaders in Gaza.
"The truth is, the state of Israel does not want escalation and does not want citizens of the Gaza Strip to die.
"The only people who really want this is Hamas, who make cynical use of the terrors of spilt blood.
"The number of deaths does not tell us anything. Just like considering the number of Nazis who died in the Second World War does not make the Nazis figures to be explained or understood."
Palestinians and Israeli troops have clashed in the West Bank a day after dozens of protesters were killed in Gaza.
Thick black smoke billowed from burning tires as Palestinians threw stones at Israeli troops, who responded with tear gas. About 200 Palestinians were protesting in Bethlehem while another 100 were demonstrating in the city of Ramallah.
Additional reporting by AP
Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt has said the UK government did not agree with the US embassy move.
Mr Burt said: "I always agree with (Mr Johnson) because all circumstances in the region can provide an opportunity - even the tragedies of yesterday - and we will get onto this, have to be used as an opportunity for a springboard to peace rather than further confrontation.
"We have made our view clear on the embassy: We didn't agree with it but it's a reality now, it won't be our position and we will continue to work for peace in the region."
SNP's Stephen Gethins said the embassy move was "reckless", "irresponsible" and has "stoked tension".
He asked: "In terms of long-term peace, does he agree with an impartial and independent investigation?"
Mr Burt replied: "The United Kingdom supports an independent investigation into what has happened and, I repeat, the move of the United States embassy yesterday was not supported by the United Kingdom - we do not see that as being conducive at present in the region to the peace, and the timing of course was incredibly difficult."
Labour has secured an urgent question on the situation in Gaza. Watch the livestream below:
Alistair Burt is now responding for the Government about the violence at the Gaza border.
He says the violence has been 'shocking' and the UK Government supports the Palestinians right to protest. He urges 'restraint' from Israel but says the UK respects its right to protect its borders.
The situation in Gaza is 'desperate', he says, and calls for a political solution.
Every death and every wounding casts a shadow for the future, he says.
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