Hamas sites hit after projectile launch
GAZA CITY: A Palestinian was killed and more than 40 others wounded by Israeli fire on Friday in renewed protests and clashes along the Gaza border, the enclave’s Health Ministry said.
Tamer Arafat, 23, died from his wounds after being shot in the head, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.
Qudra said earlier that overall, at least 42 Palestinians had been wounded by Israeli gunfire during the 50th week of demonstrations. Four medics were among those hurt, the ministry said.
An Israeli army spokesman said “approximately 8,400 demonstrators and rioters are currently gathered along the Gaza Strip security fence”.
Israeli forces said yesterday they had launched several strikes against Hamas sites here in response to a projectile launched from the besieged coastal territory the night before.
“IDF jet fighters and aircraft struck military targets in a Hamas compound in the southern Gaza Strip and underground structures in the northern Gaza Strip,” it said in a statement.
“The strike was conducted in response to the projectile that was launched at Israeli territory”, as well as the “balloons carrying explosive devices” into Israel and attempts to damage “security infrastructure”, it said.
Security officials said the strikes had caused no casualties.
The Gaza Strip has been the scene of mass protests and clashes since March last year.
Demonstrators have been calling for Palestinian refugees and their descendants to be allowed to return to former homes inside Israel. Israeli officials say that amounts to calling for the Jewish state’s destruction.
At least 253 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the rallies began, the majority shot during weekly border protests.