ISRAEL’S Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised his military after clashes on the Gaza border left 16 dead.

In a speech today he said: "Israel is acting determinedly and decisively to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens."

16 Palestinians carry the body of Jihad Abu Jamous, who was shot dead a day earlier during clashes with Israeli troops Credit: EPA

But Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Israel bears "full responsibility" for the bloodshed.

Meanwhile in an emergency session, the UN Security Council condemned what was the single deadliest day in the Israel-Palestine conflict since the 2014 Gaza war.

Yesterday more than 550 were injured as large crowds of flag-waving Palestinians marched toward the boundary, some of them throwing stones and drawing Israeli fire.

Protesters were seen burning posters of Donald Trump, who ordered the embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

An estimated 17,000 people gathered in tent encampments at five sites near the border, in what were supposed to be peaceful protests.

16 Netanyahu has praised Israeli troops following the deadly clashes Credit: AFP or licensors

Israeli military said thousands of Palestinians rolled burning tires at the border, and that troops opened fire at the "main instigators".

Brig Gen Ronen Manelis told reporters that Hamas - the militant group controlling Gaza - was using Palestinian protests as a cover to target Israel.

16 A wounded youth is carried away during the clashes Credit: EPA

16 Israeli army soldiers shoot tear gas grenades during clashes with Palestinian stone throwers Credit: EPA

16 A Palestinian protester hurls stones toward Israeli soldiers during a protest near the Gaza Strip border with Israel, in eastern Gaza City Credit: AP:Associated Press

16 A Palestinian protester kicks a burning tire towards Israeli security forces Credit: Rex Features

16 Thousands of protesters set up camp at five points along the border, in what was supposed to be peaceful protests Credit: AFP or licensors

16 At least 15 people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been killed in the clashes Credit: AFP or licensors

16 Protesters were seen rolling burning tyres at the border and lobbing stones Credit: Reuters

16 Israeli forces have drafted in 100 Special Forces snipers to protect the fence Credit: Getty - Contributor

16 Palestinian protestors wave their national flag and gesture during a demonstration commemorating Land Day near the border with Israel Credit: AFP or licensors

16 Palestinian protesters run for cover from Israeli tear-gas during clashes in the eastern Beit Hanun town Credit: EPA

He urged Gaza residents to stay away from the border, and held Hamas responsible for any violence there.

The six-week protest has forced the Israeli army to bring in 100 Special Force snipers to prevent attempts to breach the fence.

Protests are to planned to run until May 15, the 70th anniversary of Israel's creation, with a march through the border fence.

Palestinians commemorate the date as the anniversary of their mass displacement.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum praised the turnout.

16 Trump has ordered the embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Credit: Reuters

16 Hundreds were injured as the protests turned ugly Credit: AFP or licensors

16 It is the deadliest day at the Gaza border for months Credit: EPA

16 A young Palestinian is carried away after being injured by shrapnel Credit: AP:Associated Press

"The large crowds ... reflect the Palestinian people's determination to achieve the right of return and break the siege and no force can stop this right," he said.

Friday's actions are to be the first in a series of protests planned in Gaza in coming weeks.

The protests are to culminate on May 15, the 70th anniversary of Israel's creation, with a march through the border fence.

Previous protests near the border fence in recent months have turned deadly, with Israeli soldiers firing live bullets at Palestinians burning tires, throwing stones or hurling firebombs.

On Friday, buses took protesters to the border area.

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Ghanem Abdelal, 50, distributed water bottles to family members sitting on a mat near one of the tents.

He said he hopes the protest "will bring a breakthrough, an improvement, to our life in Gaza."

Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' supreme leader, visited the tents, along with Gaza leader Yehiyeh Sinwar.

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