Some 15,000 Palestinian rioters in the Gaza Strip took part in protests along the security fence with Israel on Friday.
“Today, approximately 15,000 Palestinians participated in riots along the Gaza border. The rioters hurled pipe bombs, rocks, & grenades, sabotaged security infrastructure, & burned tires,” the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Unit wrote on Twitter.
The IDF said that it responded with riot dispersal means and firing in accordance with the rules of engagement.
The protests on Friday were part of weekly “March of Return” demonstrations organized by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas since March 30 and ahead of “Nakba Day” events on May 14 and May 15. Palestinians call Israel’s Independence Day, which falls on May 14 on the Gregorian calendar, as the nakba or “catastrophe.”
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said one man was killed after being shot in the chest, and at least 146 were wounded in clashes with the IDF.
Additionally, Palestinian rioters also vandalized and ignited fires on the Gazan side of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian border crossing. These rioters further damaged gas pipelines that run from Israel to Gaza that serve Gazan residents, according to the IDF.
“This is the second time in recent days that rioters have harmed & attempted to sabotage humanitarian efforts that Israel & other countries carry out. Hamas is responsible for everything that happens in Gaza, above & below ground,” the IDF Spokesperson Unit added.
Meanwhile, a Israeli soldier was lightly wounded Friday evening in an apparent car-ramming attack in northern Samaria near the Jewish community of Shavei Shomron, reported the IDF.
The soldier was struck by a vehicle, and the driver fled the scene. Magen David Adom ambulance service treated the 20-year-old on the scene and evacuated him to a hospital.
