‘Two Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli army’

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Two Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed by the Israeli fire on Friday on the Gaza border, as clashes erupted with security forces during protests, the enclave’s health ministry said.

Fares Hafez al-Sersawi, 14, and 24-year-old Mahmud Akram Mohammed Abu Samane, both died after being shot in the chest during demonstrations in the east of Gaza City, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

A further 376 people were wounded, including 126 who had been shot, according to the health ministry figures. Seven were in a critical condition, including a medical volunteer. The Israeli military said around 20,000 Palestinians took part in Friday’s protests at numerous points along the Gaza border, continuing a series of demonstrations which began in March.

Grenades, explosives and stones were launched at the Israeli soldiers posted behind the barrier which separates Gaza from Israel, the military said. Israeli forces responded with live fire and an aircraft also carried out two strikes in Gaza, the military said. The armed forces said it could not immediately comment on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two Palestinians, when asked by AFP.