Two Gazans killed by Israeli fire: ministry

Two Gazans, including one in his early teens, were shot dead by Israeli forces in border protests Friday, Gaza’s Health Ministry said.

Mohammad Gawzi Mohammad al-Hamayda, 24, died after being shot in the abdomen and leg earlier in the day near the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, a statement from the ministry said.

This followed news earlier Friday that Yasser Amjad Moussa, 13, died near Khan Younes after he was shot in the head by Israeli forces.

At least 130 Gazans were also wounded and evacuated to hospitals, a separate statement from the ministry said. At least three were in serious condition.

A paramedic, Mutasem Khatib, told the Associated Press that the teen was throwing stones “very close to the fence” before he was shot.

This brings the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli live fire to 136 since protests broke out along the border March 30.

No Israelis have been killed.

The protests peaked on May 14 when Israeli forces killed 62 Palestinians when thousands protested along the border, on the same day the United States moved its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.

On Thursday, Abdel-Fattah Abu Azoum, 17, also died after he was hit in the head by an Israeli tank shell near Rafah.

The use of live fire against unarmed protests has received worldwide condemnation and the United Nations has called upon Israel to protect Gaza’s population.