The loss of 60 Palestinian lives along the Israel-Gaza border on Monday was indeed tragic and heartbreaking.

Palestinian protesters burn tires during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. Credit:AP

Yet these deaths were not the result of anything resembling a peaceful protest, despite claims to the contrary; nor were they the result of either the difficult and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, or the opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem.

Instead, they were yet another product of the often divided Palestinian leadership, which has cost the Palestinian people so much.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza with an iron fist for 11 years has become increasingly isolated. It has also been locked in a very bitter political struggle with the Palestinian Authority, which rules the West Bank and has far more international recognition.