WASHINGTON _ Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, denied assertions Tuesday that deadly violence on the Gaza Strip border with Israel was motivated by the controversial transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.
Israeli forces opened fire on angry stone-throwing Palestinian protesters on Monday, killing more than 50 and wounding hundreds. The violence occurred as the U.S. held an elaborate ceremony in Jerusalem inaugurating the embassy, with a high-level American delegation in attendance.
The Palestinians said they were demonstrating against the embassy and the dire conditions they are living under in Gaza, which is controlled by the militant group Hamas.
Haley, speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting called to discuss the Palestinian plight, said Israel acted with restraint, a minority view in the world organization.
"Those who suggest that the Gaza violence has anything to do with the location of the American Embassy are sorely mistaken," she said. "Rather, the violence comes from those who reject the state of Israel in any location."
