A wounded demonstrator is evacuated during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest at the Israel-Gaza border in the southern Gaza Strip, April 27, 2018. (photo credit: IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA / REUTERS)
GAZA – Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at Palestinians gathered for a protest at the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, hours after the United Nations human rights chief criticized Israel for using “excessive force” against demonstrators there in recent weeks.
Around 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire at the border fence since a planned six-week protest began there on March 30. The number of protesters usually swells to several thousands after Friday prayers.
Palestinian medical officials said at least three youths were wounded by Israeli fire near tent camps along the Gaza-Israel border, as some demonstrators hurled stones and rolled burning tires toward the fence. Palestinian media also reported a Palestinian journalist wearing a vest marked “Press” was shot and wounded by IDF forces. The Jerusalem Post has not yet confirmed the report.
Now: Palestinian journalist Abdel Rahman al-Kahluot was shot and wounded by Israeli occupation during his coverage of the #GreatReturnMarch shortly before in #Gaza #PALESTINE He has a PRESS jacket and helmet. What is their excuse this time? pic.twitter.com/6Jkgak1GAO
— Palestine (@OccuPalGaza) April 27, 2018
A Palestinian journalist who was shot by Israeli forces while covering a protest nearly two weeks ago died of his wounds on Wednesday, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Images out of #Gaza today. Notice the last picture with children taking part in the #GreatReturnMarch. As @riotgoy says: “You really shouldn’t be publishing pictures of parents having great big lunches while their kids get sent off to get shot by the #IDF” pic.twitter.com/rS6swaSFjX
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) April 27, 2018
In a statement released earlier on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called the loss of life was “deplorable” and that a “staggering number of injuries” had been caused by live ammunition.
لحظة إصابة شاب برصاص الاحتلال شرق خانيونس جنوب قطاع غزة..#جمعة_الشباب_الثائر
تصوير: عمر عادل pic.twitter.com/ANeclccGIV— شبكة فلسطين للحوار (@paldf) April 27, 2018
Israel’s foreign ministry tweeted condemnation of the Hamas-organized march.
Today, #Hamas organized another “#GreatReturnMarch” of violent riots and youths trying to sabotage the Israel-#Gaza fence & fly firebombs toward Israeli communities.
Israel will continue to protect its citizens from Hamas’ terrorists. pic.twitter.com/LJ3N1l4CvU
— Israel Foreign Min. (@IsraelMFA) April 27, 2018
Named the ‘Great March of Return’, the protest action revives a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages which their families fled from, or were driven out of, when the state of Israel was created in 1948.
It has seen tent encampments spring up at several locations near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence and is scheduled to culminate on May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement 70 years ago.
More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.
Jpost.com staff contributed to this report.
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