At least 3 killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers in eastern Gaza: medics

Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Health Ministry in Gaza, said that Tammer Abu Al-Kheir, 17, was killed by Israeli soldiers' gunfire that hit him in his chest east of Khan Younis town in southern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel.

"Three were killed and 316 injured, including 64 injured by live gunshots, 16 by rubber bullets and the rest by tear gas," said al-Qedra, adding that nine paramedics and four journalists were among the injuries.

The fierce clashes marked the first anniversary of the rallies, better known as the "Great March of Return," and also 43 years for the Palestinian "Land Day."
They waved Palestinian flags, chanted slogans against Israel and clashed with the Israeli soldiers, who were stationed on the border to prevent the masses of demonstrators from approaching the fence.

The event's goal, according to the members of the High Commission of the "Great March of Return," is to end an Israeli blockade that had been imposed on the Gaza Strip since Hamas' violent takeover of the enclave in 2007.

Although there is an Egyptian-brokered understanding for clam on the border between Gaza Strip and Israel, the Palestinians insisted that the protests will go on for the second year.

Yehya Sinwar, Hamas chief in Gaza who joined the rallies, told reporters that "our people are sticking to the right of return and the legitimate rights and we will carry on with these marches."

He said "we are negotiating with the Egyptians on the issue of the prisoners, Jerusalem and then the issues in the Gaza Strip," adding that "the Israeli occupation is standing today before a new exam."

Jamal Abu Lasheen, a Palestinian political analyst and a think-tank from Gaza, said that the main goal of the marches was to remind the world of the Palestinians' legitimate right of return back to their homes which they were forced to leave in 1948.

"This was the major goal for the marches in the beginning, but unfortunately, it was neglected and the marches were used to exert pressure on Israel for improving the hard living situation and economy," he added.