Report: Palestinian killed, 19 hurt by IDF gunfire
Man shot dead, 19 wounded by Israeli gunfire near Gaza border, Ma'an news agency reports; army says troops fired towards legs of rioters attempting to cross into Israel
A Palestinian man was shot dead and 19 were wounded by IDF gunfire in Khan Younis on Friday, the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency reported, citing medical officials in Gaza.
Witnesses told Ma'an the incident occurred along Gaza's border fence with Israel shortly before Friday prayers.
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The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that some 300 Palestinians approached the border fence in the south of the Strip on Friday morning and began rioting.
"IDF forces made efforts to disperse the rioters, and when they refused to leave warning shots were fired," the army said. "Several rioters damaged the fence and attempted to cross into Israel's territory."
According to the statement, troops fired towards the legs of the rioters who attempted to cross the border. One man who managed to enter Israel was detained ad was later returned to Gaza.
According to Ma'an, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of violating the Egypt-mediated truce and said the group would complain to Cairo. "We will contact the Egyptian mediator to discuss the incident," he was quoted as saying.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki denounced the reported killing later Friday as well. Speaking at a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi, he called the incident "a clear violation of the agreement and should not be repeated."
Four Palestinians were reportedly injured by IDF fire on Thurday.
The ceasefire between Israel and Gaza groups took hold on Wednesday evening after eight days of cross-border fighting.
Yoav Zitun and Reuters contributed to the report
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