GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories – A 16-year-old Palestinian was killedon Friday by Israeli fire during border protests and clashes east of GazaCity, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said.
Mohammed al-Jahjuh was “hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israelisoldiers”, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qodra told AFP.
The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered along theborder, burning tyres and launching towards soldiers an incendiary device,which did not reach the troops.
Israel’s military said it had opened fire “according to operationalprocedures” in place, without elaborating.
Forty six Palestinians — including two journalists and four first aidresponders — were wounded, al-Qodra said.
Palestinians in the Gaza strip have held often violent protests backed byits Islamist rulers Hamas since March 30.
At least 236 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, mostlyby Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes.
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Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by aPalestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operationinside Gaza.
Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return totheir former homes now inside Israel.
Israel accuses Hamas of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry outinfiltrations and attacks, and says the army’s actions are necessary todefend the border.
Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008. – APP/AFP
