(VOVWORLD) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday announced a day of national mourning and a general strike in West Bank, a day after 16 Palestinian demonstrators were killed across the Gaza-Israel border.
 Clashes between Israeli forces and demonstrators (AFP) |
On Friday, thousands of Palestinian families and civilians in the Gaza Strip demonstrated against the 11-year long closure, and reaffirmed their right of return, by peacefully marching towards the border areas along the Gaza Strip. The protest is expected to last six weeks until the opening of US embassy’s office scheduled May 14. A small group of protesters approached the border line, forcing Israeli forces to use heavy tear gas and guns against the protesters killing 16 and injuring 1,400.
Israeli forces affirmed that demonstrators were rioting in six locations along Gaza, adding the government banned demonstrations, calling it a plan to carry out military activities by Hamas movement in Gaza. Israeli forces also vowed to continue attacks against terrorists in Gaza.