New clashes on Gaza-Israel border as toll reaches 33

FE Team | Published: April 13, 2018 21:41:58

GAZA CITY, Apr 13 (AFP): Clashes erupted as thousands protested for a third consecutive Friday along Gaza's border with Israel after violence in which Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others.
Clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in multiple spots along the border while tear gas and plumes of black smoke from burning tyres filled the air in some areas.
At least 30 Palestinians were wounded, the health ministry in Gaza said, with one shot in the head.
Ten medics were treated for tear gas inhalation after a canister landed in their site, the ministry said.
Israel's army alleged there were attempts to damage and breach the border fence, while it said firebombs and "an explosive device" were thrown.
Palestinians also sought to pull away barbed wire set up by Israeli forces to keep them away from the fence, an AFP journalist said.
The military said soldiers were responding "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement."
In northern Gaza, a large Israeli flag was burned that had earlier been set on the ground for protesters to walk over.
Dozens of Israeli flags were being burned in Jabalia in northern Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian ones were held aloft.
Near Khan Yunis in the south, protesters burned pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom they view as cooperating with Israel.
The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change.