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Israel 'shoots Palestinians in the foot' in Gaza

Israel 'shoots Palestinians in the foot' in Gaza
MENA
1 min read
25 May, 2018
At least two Palestinians were injured by gunfire on Friday after being shot in the foot by Israeli forces.
Israel has been under fire for its disproportionate military tactics in Gaza [Getty]

At least two Palestinian protesters were injured on Friday by Israeli gunfire close to the Gaza border, during the continuation of the "Great Return March".

Israeli soldiers were seen aiming at the feet of Palestinian protesters with live bullets. The victims were transported to Gaza's largest hospital al-Shifaa Hospital. Several other protesters were injured after being struck with teargas.

Meanwhile, Palestinian protester Yasser Sami Habib, 24, succumb to his wounds in Jerusalem after being targeted by Israeli forces in the besieged Gaza Strip days before.

For nearly two months, tensions have risen between Gaza and Israel.

Mass protests erupted on 30 March - dubbed "Great Return March" - which have centred on the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, after they were expelled following the 1948 creation of Israel.

The protests along the Gaza border quickly turned deadly, with Israeli forces responding with live ammunition.

At least 1,600 protesters have been wounded by gunfire or needed treatment for tear gas inhalation in the weeks of protests.

The Israeli army has claimed that its forces only open fire in self-defence or to stop protesters attempting to breach the barrier separating the coastal enclave from Israel.

Only a few Israeli soldiers have suffered minor injuries.