Rabat- A 28-year-old Palestinian man has died and more than 223 are wounded after Israeli soldiers responded with live gunfire to the thousands of Palestinians who staged a mass protest along Gaza’s sealed border with Israel for the third consecutive Friday, Gaza Health Ministry said.
The clashes that erupted between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas, live bullets, and plumes of black smoke from burning tires filled the air in some areas.
Most of protesters were injured east of Gaza City, while only two were hurt in clashes near Al-Bureij in central Gaza.
The death toll brings the number of protesters killed to 36, with more than 1,500 wounded by Israeli fire since March 30, which marked the launch of the 6-week-long demonstration demanding the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Israel’s violent attacks in Gaza have led once again to an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Friday, just hours after the violent clashes.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that “the recent violence in Gaza has resulted in many needless deaths and injuries,” reiterating his call for an “independent and transparent investigation” into the recent violence in Gaza.
“This tragedy underscores the urgency of relaunching the peace process for a two-state solution that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in two democratic states side by side, in peace and security, within borders recognized by all,” the UN chief said, appealing to those who believe more action that could lead to more casualties.
Other UN members have also expressed their concerns about the current situation in Gaza, noting that the risk of escalation is very real.
