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Israel army says killed 4 armed Palestinians on Gaza border
JERUSALEM, Aug 10, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Israeli troops shot dead four heavily
armed Palestinians on the Gaza border early Saturday, one of whom had managed
to cross and throw a grenade at troops, the army said.
There have been frequent clashes along the Gaza border since the
Palestinians began organising regular mass protests there in March 2018 but
Saturday’s exchange was unusual because of the weaponry the army said was
involved on the Palestinian side.
“The terrorists were equipped with AK-47 assault rifles, RPG grenade
launchers and hand grenades,” an army statement said.
A spokeswoman said: “The army opened fire after one of the terrorists
scaled the barrier and hurled a grenade at the soldiers.”
No casualties were reported in Israeli ranks.
Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border demanding the lifting of
Israel’s more than decade-old blockade have often led to violence and a
deadly response from the Israeli army. At least 301 Palestinians have been
killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since March 2018, the
majority during the demonstrations.
Seven Israelis have also been killed.
The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a truce
brokered by UN officials and Egypt.
Under the truce, Israel agreed to take steps to ease aspects of its
blockade in return for calm on the border.
Sporadic violence has continued but the Israeli army has said most of it
has consisted of lone-wolf attacks.
On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge his brother’s death by
Israeli fire entered Israel from Gaza armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle
and hand grenades. He was killed and three Israeli soldiers wounded, the army
said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to avoid a
major flare-up in the Palestinian territories as Israel prepares for a snap
general election on September 17, its second this year.
But he is likely to face political pressure to act firmly against any
significant attack.
Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.
The border exchange came as Palestinians prepare to mark Eid al-Adha, the
feast of the sacrifice.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1251 hrs