Palestinian killed in clashes with Israeli troops

Palestinian died after he was injured during night-time protests and clashes with Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, the Gaza Health Ministry said Sunday.

Habeeb al-masri, 20, was shot in the chest by Israeli troops’ gunfire, the ministry said. At least three Palestinians were injured in the clashes.

Local media reported protesters burned tyres in several locations close to the border fence.

The night-time demonstrations, held by the so-called “night confusion units,” are part of the “Great March of Return” rallies which began almost a year ago. The units detonated sound bombs on the border to confuse Israeli forces and disturb the residents of nearby Israeli towns.

Israeli media said about 300 sound bombs were used over three hours, with no injuries reported.

The units said in a press statement Saturday that the night rallies will continue along the coastal enclave’s borders this week.

“The night activities will start every day at 7:00 pm (1600 GMT) to the dawn of the next day, and the number of incendiary balloons will be doubled at daylight,” they added. Incendiary flying objects hurled into Israel have caused extensive damage and fear in southern Israel.

Also overnight, the Israeli army said that in response to explosive devices that were hurled at the Israel-gaza border fence, an aircraft targeted two Hamas observation posts in the southern Gaza Strip.