Gaza City, MINA – Israeli gunfire killed seven Palestinians during clashes and demonstrations along the Gaza border on Friday, DPA reported, citing the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
The Israeli army said that around 15,000 Palestinian have gathered along the border where they are burning tyres and throwing rocks, explosives and grenades.
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A number of Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli soldiers when an explosive device opened a hole in the Gaza perimeter fence and some 20 Palestinians crossed through, the military said.
Israel called the incident a “blatant terror attempt.”
Some 252 Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire in the border area, including 10 minors, Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra said.
“[Israeli] troops are responding with riot dispersal means and fire in accordance with standard operating procedures,” the military said.
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Palestinians have been staging semi-regular protests along the Gaza border since March. The demonstrations, which often include rock throwing and other violent acts, are aimed at pressuring Israel to lift a decade-long blockade on the territory.
During the protests and clashes with Israeli forces, 205 Palestinians have died, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
International rights groups and the United Nations have criticized Israel’s use of live fire on the border protesters as disproportionate. Israel says it is defending its border from attempted Palestinian attacks.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in Istanbul on Friday that his militant group is talking with Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations to broker “understandings that could bring calm for breaking the siege.” (T/RS5/RS1)
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