Jerusalem, May 14 (AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the use of force on the Gaza border today after soldiers killed 52 Palestinians during protests and clashes coinciding with the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

"Every country has the obligation to defend its borders," Netanyahu said on Twitter.

"The Hamas terror organisation declares its intention to destroy Israel and send thousands to break through the border fence in order to achieve this aim. We will continue to act firmly in order to defend our sovereignty and our citizens." (AFP) PMS

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