The United Nations has called for “an independent and transparent investigation” into clashes in Gaza that have killed at least 16 people.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was speaking after reports that 1,400 people had also been injured in the violence between Palestinians and Israeli troops near the border.
Spokesman Farhan Haq said: “He also appeals to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm’s way.”
The UN Security Council did not decide on any action after its emergency meeting on Friday, however.
Tens of thousands of Gazans – including women and children – marched on Friday at multiple sites in the territory.
Israel’s military targeted three Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip with tank fire and an air strike after what it said was an attempted shooting attack against soldiers along the border that caused no injuries.
Seven people were killed by Israeli soldiers at the border fence and one, a farmer, by Israeli tank fire, according to Gaza health officials.
The farmer was identified as Amr Samour, 27, and a relative said he had been hit directly by a shell while picking parsley.
His body was marched through the streets of Khan Younis with hundreds of mourners.
Palestinians are staging six weeks of sit-ins along the border. Islamist Hamas movement leader Yahya Sinwar has been taking part in the tent city movement.
It marks Land Day, commemorating the killing of six Arab Israelis during 1976 demonstrations against Israeli confiscations of Arab land.
The Israeli army said it estimated some 30,000 demonstrators were taking part in the protests.
Throughout Friday, Israeli drones dropped tear gas at several locations along the fence.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 1,000 people were hurt by live fire and rubber-coated steel pellets.
The commander of the Israel military Southern Command said the forces were “identifying attempts to carry out terror attacks under the camouflage of riots”.
The military said they opened fire at the “main instigators”.
The clashes erupted during what Hamas rulers promised would be peaceful protests.
Gazans have been warned to stay away from the area by the Israeli military.
Mosques across Gaza urged Palestinians to take part in the protests, and took thousands to the encampments by bus.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said: “The large crowds… reflect the Palestinian people’s determination to achieve the right of return and break the siege and no force can stop this right.”
The sit-ins are seen as an attempt by Hamas to break the decade-old Gaza border blockade, that makes it hard for the militant group to govern.
The events culminate on 15 May, the 70th anniversary of the creation of Israel as it stands today.
From – SkyNews
