Nearly 50 Palestinians Reportedly Injured in ‘Nakba Day’ Riots on Gaza Border
by Algemeiner Staff and Agencies
Nearly 50 Palestinian rioters were reportedly wounded in “Nakba Day” demonstrations on the Israel-Gaza Strip border on Wednesday.
According to the IDF, around 10,000 protesters gathered in several locations along the border fence.
“The rioters are setting tires on fire and hurling rocks,” the Israeli military said as the unrest transpired. “A number of explosive devices have been hurled within the Gaza Strip, as well, and a number of attempts have been made to approach the security fence. IDF troops are responding with riot dispersal means.”
The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said at least 47 Palestinians were wounded, though it was not clear how many of those were hit by live ammunition or were hurt by rubber bullets or by inhaling tear gas.
“Nakba Day” is when Palestinians annually commemorate what they describe as the “catastrophe” they experienced when Israel was established in 1948.
“Our people rise today to announce their rejection to this crime and to assert their right in Palestine, all of Palestine,” Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib said at one border demonstration on Wednesday. “Palestine is ours, the sea is ours, the sky is ours and the land is ours, and those strangers must be removed.”
Firefighters in southern Israel on Wednesday extinguished a number of blazes ignited by incendiary balloons launched from Hamas-ruled Gaza.
Palestinians also held rallies in the West Bank, but no major clashes with Israeli forces were immediately reported.