Israel prepared a series of festivities to celebrate the opening of the new United States Embassy in Jerusalem despite Palestinian protests, raising fears of a further outbreak of violence.

After marking the 51st anniversary of ‘Jerusalem Day’ on Sunday which it refers to as the city’s “unification” following the 1967 war, Israel hosted a gala reception on Monday to welcome a high profile American delegation which included  President Donald Trump’s Special Adviser and son-in law,Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump..

Although dozens of other foreign diplomats also graced the occasion which Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu described as ‘memorable’, many ambassadors of European nations who oppose the move skipped the colourful event.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle-East War and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, and view the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested city as a blatant one-sided move that invalidates the US as a Mideast peace broker.

Trump’s decision in December to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital ignited months of protests in the Palestinian territories.

Since March 30, at least 42 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the weekly protests aimed primarily against the decade – long blockade of Gaza, with over 1,800 wounded.

Most countries have traditionally kept their embassies in coastal Tel Aviv rather than the contested site of Jerusalem. But after Trump’s move, both Paraguay and Guatemala have announced plans to follow suit.