GAZA BORDER: A Palestinian was martyred and more than 200 others woundedduring clashes with Israeli troops as thousands gathered in protest alongthe Gaza-Israel border on Friday, Gaza officials said.

Palestinians hurled stones and burning tyres near the frontier fence, whereIsraeli army sharpshooters are deployed. Some in the crowd threw firebombsand an explosive device and tried cross into Israel, according to theIsraeli military.

Palestinian medical officials said Israeli troops opened fire on thedemonstrators, martyring one and wounding 220.

An Israeli military spokesman said troops were being confronted by riotersand responded “with riot dispersal means while also firing in accordancewith the rules of engagement”.

Palestinians had arrived en masse at tented camps near the frontier as aprotest dubbed “The Great March of Return” – evoking a longtime call forrefugees to regain ancestral homes in what is now Israel – moved into itsthird week.

Israeli troops have martyred 31 Gaza Palestinians and wounded hundredssince the protests began, drawing international criticism of the lethaltactics used against them.

On Friday, groups of youths waved Palestinian flags and burnt hundreds oftyres and Israeli flags near the fenced-off border after Friday prayers. Atone camp east of Gaza City, youths carried on their shoulders a coffinwrapped in an Israeli flag bearing the words “The End of Israel”.

Israel has declared a no-go zone close to the Gaza border fence.

No Israelis have been killed during the demonstrations, and human rightsgroups say the Israeli military has used live fire against demonstratorswho pose no immediate threat to life.