GAZA, Aug 22 (NNN-WAFA) – Dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured yesterday, in clashes with Israeli soldiers, near the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel, Palestinian medics said.
A total of 41 Palestinian demonstrators were shot and wounded by Israeli soldiers, including 15 children, two of whom are in critical condition, said Mohammed Abu Silmeya, director of Shifa Hospital in Gaza city.
The Israeli army said, around 100 Palestinians approached the border fence and threw hand grenades at the soldiers, who opened fire to disperse them.
Ismail Redwan, a leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), told reporters that the Palestinian factions are following up the situation in eastern Gaza, adding that, “the factions will continue protecting the Palestinian people.”
The Palestinian factions, including Hamas, hold Israel fully responsible for firing live ammunition at the demonstrators, he said.
On Friday, the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip called on the enclave’s residents to demonstrate near the borderline area with Israel, to mark the 52nd anniversary of the burning of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, by the Israelis.
Khalil al-Hayyah, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, told reporters that, his movement will continue defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and its struggle to end an Israeli blockade, that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip for 15 years.– NNN-WAFA
