17 Palestinians hurt in border clashes with Israeli troops

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Israeli troops on Friday shot and wounded 17 Palestinians during a protest on the Gaza-Israel border, where rallies have been held for nearly a year, the enclave’s health ministry said.

A ministry statement reported “17 injuries by the Israeli occupation forces with live ammunition”, without giving details on the condition of those shot. It said that three paramedics and one journalist were hurt by tear gas grenades.

The Israeli army told AFP that troops used live fire “according to the rules of engagement” with violent demonstrators.

“There are close to 8,000 rioters who are throwing stones, who are burning tyres and throwing explosive devices and grenades at troops and at the (border) fence,” a spokeswoman said.

“In response we are using riot dispersal means and also firing, according to the rules of engagement of course,” she said.

The conclusions of a UN probe published on Thursday said Israeli forces responding to protests on the Gaza border had committed “violations of international human rights and humanitarian law”.

“Some of those violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity,” said the report, by a commission of inquiry set up by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Protests and clashes began along the Gaza border on March 30 last year.

— AFP photo A Palestinian youth lights up a flare as he is being carried on the shoulders of a man waving Palestinian flags together, during a demonstration along the border with Israel east of Gaza City.