Palestinian killed by Israeli fire

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire on Monday near the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel, the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory said.

An Israeli army statement said “several terrorists were injured” in an explosion as they attempted to carry out sabotage near the border fence, but made no mention of troops opening fire.

Gaza’s health ministry said “Sabri Ahmed Abu Khader, 24, was killed by bullets of the (Israeli) occupation forces”, without giving further details. At least 131 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since major border protests broke out at the end of March.

No Israelis have been killed. Palestinians are demanding the right to return to the homes their families fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel. The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamist movement Hamas which Israel considers its bitter enemy.