GAZA: Two Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in demonstrations along the Gaza border, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The latest violence flared amid tensions over the status of Jerusalem after US President Donald Trump early this month recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday rebuked the move.
The Islamist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, called for a “Day of Rage” and joined other Palestinian factions in staging protests.
One of those killed was Zakariya Al-Kafarneh, 24, from Gaza, who was shot in the chest with live ammunition, the ministry said. The second victim has not yet been identified.
The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
In a statement issued earlier Friday, the Israeli military said approximately 2,000 Palestinians in Gaza rolled burning tires and hurled rocks at Israeli soldiers.
“Troops are responding with riot dispersal means. In addition, during the violent riots IDF soldiers fired live rounds selectively towards main instigators,” the statement said.
Agencies