Palestinian medics carry a wounded man during clashes with Israeli troops on the Gaza-Israel border, east of Gaza Strip, May 15, 2019. At least 47 Palestinians were injured on Wednesday in their clashes with Israeli soldiers, while marking the 71st anniversary of the Nakba Day, or "Day of the Catastrophe," the day after Israel declared its independence in 1948. (Xinhua/Stringer)
GAZA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 47 Palestinians were injured on Wednesday in their clashes with Israeli soldiers, while marking the 71st anniversary of the Nakba Day, or "Day of the Catastrophe," the day after Israel declared its independence in 1948.
The Gaza Health Ministry said in a statement that the injured included a field paramedic who was wounded in his head.
Dozens suffered suffocation after inhaling tear gas, it added.
The rally on the border between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel was organized by the Highest Commission of the Great March of Return, which comprises of various Palestinian factions and political powers, including Hamas which rules the Gaza Strip.
Israeli reports said around 10,000 demonstrators gathered near the fence of the border, adding they burned tires, threw stones at the soldiers on the border and released arson balloons into Israel.
The reports quoted Israeli army sources saying dozens of homemade grenades were hurled at the soldiers but no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said Israeli security forces wearing orange jackets were seen deploying in the area and preventing the demonstrators from reaching the border fence with Israel.
