Tel Aviv, MINA – Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said more than 40,000 Palestinians participated in protests at the Gaza border Saturday afternoon, marking the year of the Great March of Return action.
The IDF accused a number of demonstrators threw grenades and stones, an action that was the reason for Israeli forces to shoot dead demonstrators who generally acted peacefully.
The IDF noted that most Palestinians who attended the one-year anniversary of protest remained far from the border, the Times of Israel reported.
Hamas interior ministry said as 8,000 security personnel were deployed along the border to prevent protesters from approaching fence, the Israeli Army Radio reported.
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Channel 12 said this was the first time in a year that Hamas had acted in this way to examine demonstrators.
But, warning to stay away from the fence which was heavily guarded by Israeli forces was not obeyed by all.
“We will move towards the border even if we die,” said Yusef Ziyada (21) whose face was painted in colors of the Palestinian flag. “We will not leave. We will return to our land. ”
Israeli military has increased the number of troops along border with Gaza, including deployment of tanks to anticipate the possibility of major clashes.
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However, the Channel 12 report said there was no major effort by the demonstrators to penetrate fence. (T/Sj/P2)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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