Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops on the Gaza-Israel border, east of Gaza City, on Nov. 16, 2018. At least 14 Palestinians were shot and wounded on Friday by Israeli soldiers' gunfire in eastern Gaza Strip during the 34th weekly "Great March of Return," medics said. (Xinhua)
GAZA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 Palestinians were shot and wounded on Friday by Israeli soldiers' gunfire in eastern Gaza Strip during 34th weekly "Great March of Return", medics said.
Ashraf al-Qedra, health ministry spokesman in Gaza, confirmed the injuries to reporters.
Eyewitnesses and local media in Gaza said that Israeli soldiers opened fire at the demonstrators and wounded at least four of them in eastern Gaza city, close to the border with Israel.
Medical sources said that one of the four wounded is in critical condition.
Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said in an emailed press statement that demonstrators are joining the marches to reiterate the message that the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip has to end through these peaceful marches.
A senior Egyptian security intelligence delegation arrived in the coastal enclave on Thursday night to carry on with the mediations on restoring calm with Israel.
The delegation held a long meeting with Hamas Chief Yehia Sinwar at the latter's office in Gaza city.
According to an official statement issued by Sinwar's office, he told the senior Egyptian security officials that "Hamas and the Palestinian factions will not allow Israel to repeat its military aggression on the Gaza Strip again."
Sinwar's office statement also said that Sinwar stressed to the Egyptians on the importance of breaking the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.
"The Egyptian delegation requested from us to be far away from the fence of the border (between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel) for three weeks," said Essam Hammad, member of the legal committee in the high commission of the marches of return.
"We are committed to implementing the Egyptian delegation's request, who said it wants to carry on with its efforts and consultations," Hammad added.
