130 Gazans hit by Israeli gunfire

At least 130 Palestinians were hit by Israeli gunfire yesterday as thousands protested near Gaza’s border with Israel, the health ministry in the enclave said.

Following calls to avoid an escalation in violence, the demonstrators largely kept their distance from the fortified frontier fence.

But at least 130 Palestinians were injured by live fire in clashes with Israeli soldiers, the health ministry said. An Israeli army spokesman told AFP that while most of the protesters stayed back from the fence, some came close and threw explosive devices and hand grenades at troops, while burning tires.

“The soldiers who were there responded with riot dispersal means, along with gunfire,” he said.