ISRAELI FORCES OPEN FIRE ON PALESTINIAN FARMERS IN SOUTHERN GAZA

Gaza, 13 Rajab 1436/2 May 2015 (MINA) – Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, with no injuries reported.

Witnesses told Ma’an that Israeli forces deployed along the border east of Rafah city shot at Palestinian farmers and used tear gas to drive them from their land.

Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Gazans since the ceasefire agreement signed Aug. 26, 2014 that ended a devastating 50-day war between Israel and Hamas, Maan News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

In March alone, there were a total of 38 incidents of shootings, incursions into the coastal enclave, and arrests, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

That was up from 26 incidents through February, and left seven Palestinians injured and one dead.

The attacks come despite Israeli promises at the end of the ceasefire to ease restrictions on Palestinian access to both the sea and the border region near the “security buffer zone.” (T/P010/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)