Clashes Between Palestinians, Israeli Soldiers ContinueMore than 100 Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip were throwing stones at four jeeps near a Jewish settlement carrying Israeli soldiers, who rammed the jeeps into the crowd, injuring two protesters.An Israeli helicopter was flying overhead dropping tear gas to stop demonstrators as 200 Israeli soldiers and Palestinian policemen were trying to restore calm near the Netzarim settlement in the south of Gaza city. Palestinian coordinators for settlement affairs have arrived at the scene, while Palestinian polices were pushing back the demonstrators who tried to hurl stone at the Israeli soldiers, a Xinhua correspondent reported. This followed a gun battle between Palestinian police and Israeli soldiers moments earlier, during which six people were reported injured on both sides. Witnesses said the live-ammunition clash erupted after Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets at Palestinian protesters who were hurling stones and firebombs at Israeli army outposts near the Netzarim settlement in the south of Gaza city. Palestinian police responded with live rounds at the Israeli troops, who then fired back, witnesses said, adding that four Palestinian policemen and an officer were injured. An Israeli soldier was also wounded in the head, witnesses said. But Israeli soldiers denied they had suffered any casualty. Medical personnel at the scene said at least 15 people were injured during the clashes. Earlier on the day, hundreds of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip and West Bank threw stones at Israeli troops in several clashes, who were met by Israeli soldiers' rubber bullets. Dozens of demonstrators were injured, including several in critical condition. The Palestinians have declared Friday and Saturday as "days of rage," during which protests are staged to demand the release of the remaining 1,600 Palestinian security prisoners, who had been on hunger strike in Israeli prisons since the beginning of the month. Israeli security officials have warned of increased violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in recent days during the "days of rage" demonstrations. |
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