Jerusalem: Four Palestinians were martyred when Israeli troops opened fireon them on the Gaza border early Saturday.

The Israeli army claimed that the Palestinians were equipped with AK-47assault rifles, RPG grenade launchers, and hand grenades.

It said soldiers opened fire after one of the Palestinians scaled thebarrier and hurled a grenade at the soldiers.”

No casualties were reported in Israeli ranks.

There have been frequent clashes along the Gaza border since thePalestinians began organising regular mass protests there in March 2018.

Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border demanding the lifting ofIsrael´s more than decade-old blockade has often led to violence and deadlyresponse from the Israeli army.

At least 301 Palestinians have been martyred by Israeli fire in Gaza or theborder area since March 2018, the majority during the demonstrations.