JERUSALEM, Apr 30 (Xinhua): Israel's army said three Palestinians were shot dead on Sunday night after they crossed border fence from the Gaza Strip in three separate cases.
A military spokesperson said in a statement that around 21:30, two suspects were identifying trying to sabotage the fence that separates between Israel and the besieged Palestinian enclave. The two also tried to infiltrate into Israeli territory, the spokesperson said.
"An IDF (Israel Defence Forces) force shot at them. One suspect was killed and another was apprehended and taken for further questioning," the spokesperson said.
About an hour later, two "terrorists" crossed the fence in the southern Gaza Strip and hurled explosive devices at a military force. The force responded with fire, killing both, according to a military statement.
No injuries were reported among the soldiers.
A few minutes later, another two were caught and arrested amidst an attempt to cross the fence. "Knives and cutters were found in their possessions," the spokesperson said, adding that they were handed to the Shin Bet security service for questioning.
The incident came in escalating violence along the Israel-Gaza fence. Since March 30, Palestinians have been staging weekly "Great March of Return" towards the fence to protest the crippling 11-year blockade.
The marches are planned to peak on May 15, the day after the 70th anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence but marked by the Palestinians as the Nakba Day, or "Day of the Catastrophe."
Israel has reacted to the rallies with live fire and rubber-coated bullets, killing at least 43 people and injuring more than 3,500 others.
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