Israeli jets pound Gaza as protesters killed at border

Israel's air force hit a Hamas base in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the military said, as its troops gunned down Palestinian protesters along the strip's border with Israel.

"A fighter jet struck five terrorist targets in a military training facility belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the northern Gaza Strip," a military statement said.

"The strike was conducted in response to the violent acts of the last few hours being carried out by Hamas along the security fence." 

Dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire within a few hours of mass protests starting on Monday as the US inaugurated its new embassy in Jerusalem.

The death toll is likely to jump as the protests continue, coinciding with the anniversary of the Nakba, or catastrophe, when Palestinians commemorate the loss of their homeland during Israel's creation in 1948.

Gaza's health ministry said more than 500 Palestinians were injured as demonstrators streamed to the border.

It is said to be the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the Gaza 2014 war.

There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border since March 30 when demonstrators began the Great Return March, with at least 54 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire.

No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live ammunition.