Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on the deadly protests in Gaza:

“Yesterday, the world witnessed the worst outbreak of violence in Gaza since the last conflict in 2014. Fifty-eight people were killed, and more than 2,700 were injured, raising the death toll to more than 100 since these protests began. While protests must remain peaceful, Israeli forces must exercise greater restraint in the use of live ammunition.

“President Trump’s decision to move the U.S embassy was a serious mistake that will reverberate throughout the region. U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital should have been resolved in the context of broader peace negotiations where both sides benefit.

“Instead, the president’s unilateral move has sparked violence and led the Palestinians to believe the United States is no longer an honest broker to this conflict.

“I’m deeply disappointed in Ambassador Haley’s decision to block a U.N. inquiry into yesterday’s events. Without question there should be an independent investigation when the lives of so many are lost.

“Instead of remaining silent, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo should immediately head to the region to de-escalate this situation. Refusing to act will only reinforce the perception that this administration has chosen a side in this decades-long conflict and can no longer be an honest broker to bring peace to the region.”

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