Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier.

Dubbed the March of Return, the protests were launched on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants to family lands or homes lost to Israel during its founding in a 1948 war.

Protests along the border reached a peak on May 14 when Gaza medical sources said at least 60 Palestinians were killed by

Israeli gunfire. The violence has tapered off since but there are still sporadic flare-ups.

Since the border protests began, 113 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, Gaza medical officials said. Most of the participants on Friday kept their distance and remained about 800 metres from the fence. Dozens of youths, however, advanced to around 300 meters distance and burned tyres at one protest spot. East of Gaza City some youths came right up to the fence and tried to pull it apart.

Israeli troops fired tear gas and live rounds. Soldiers also fired at kites with flaming tails to try to bring them down before they landed in Israeli farmland and set crops alight.

Gaza health ministry officials said at least 109 protesters were hurt. Medics said at least 10 were wounded by live rounds.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and the group's Gaza leader, Yehya Al-Sinwar, joined separate protest encampments raising cheers from the assembled crowds.

"The marches of return are not over. They may be smaller but we are continuing," said Ali, a participant who masked his face with his t-shirt at a protest east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Protesters dispersed as dusk fell to prepare to break their daytime fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Gaza has been controlled since 2007 by the Islamist group Hamas. Israel and Egypt, citing security concerns, maintain a de facto blockade on Gaza, which has reduced its economy to a state of collapse.

Israel has blamed Hamas for provoking the violence.

"They’re pushing civilians – women, children – into the line of fire with a view of getting casualties. We try to minimize casualties. They're trying to incur casualties in order to put pressure on Israel, which is horrible," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News last week.

Salah al-Bardaweel, a Hamas official in Gaza, told a Palestinian television channel that the majority of those killed on May 14 were Hamas members.

Dubbed the March of Return, the protests were launched on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants to family lands or homes lost to Israel during its founding in a 1948 war

Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier. Dubbed the March of Return, the protests were launched on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants to family lands or homes lost to Israel during its founding in a 1948 war. Protests along the border reached a peak on May 14 when Gaza medical sources said at least 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire. The violence has tapered off since but there are still sporadic flare-ups. Since the border protests began, 113 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, Gaza medical officials said. Most of the participants on Friday kept their distance and remained about 800 metres from the fence. Dozens of youths, however, advanced to around 300 meters distance and burned tyres at one protest spot. East of Gaza City some youths came right up to the fence and tried to pull it apart. Israeli troops fired tear gas and live rounds. Soldiers also fired at kites with flaming tails to try to bring them down before they landed in Israeli farmland and set crops alight. Gaza health ministry officials said at least 109 protesters were hurt. Medics said at least 10 were wounded by live rounds. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and the group's Gaza leader, Yehya Al-Sinwar, joined separate protest encampments raising cheers from the assembled crowds. "The marches of return are not over. They may be smaller but we are continuing," said Ali, a participant who masked his face with his t-shirt at a protest east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Protesters dispersed as dusk fell to prepare to break their daytime fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Gaza has been controlled since 2007 by the Islamist group Hamas. Israel and Egypt, citing security concerns, maintain a de facto blockade on Gaza, which has reduced its economy to a state of collapse. Israel has blamed Hamas for provoking the violence. "They’re pushing civilians – women, children – into the line of fire with a view of getting casualties. We try to minimize casualties. They're trying to incur casualties in order to put pressure on Israel, which is horrible," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS News last week. Salah al-Bardaweel, a Hamas official in Gaza, told a Palestinian television channel that the majority of those killed on May 14 were Hamas members.

Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire, tear gas in Gaza border protests

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border.

In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition.&nbsp

Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures.

The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. &nbsp&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters".

UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations.

Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel.

With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30.

Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period.

Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators.

The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks.

It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border. In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition. Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures. The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters". UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland. Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations. Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel. With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30. Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period. Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators. The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks. It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Gaza violence: Israel's Supreme Court upholds open-fire rules on Gaza border

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday.

The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings.

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday. The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement. The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

Israel summons ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia & Belgium over Gaza vote

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court.

Maliki will meet with prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Tuesday morning just over a week after 62 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they protested the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

Maliki will update Bensouda on the situation in the Palestinian territories and also "submit a referral" on the issue of Jewish settlements during their talks at the International Criminal Court ICC), the Palestinian embassy in The Hague said in a statement.

Afterwards, Maliki will hold a press conference outside the court. He will also meet later Tuesday with Dutch counterpart Stef Blok.

Bensouda vowed last week that she was watching the unrest in Gaza closely and would "take any action warranted" to prosecute crimes.

"My staff is vigilantly following developments on the ground and recording any alleged crime that could fall within" the tribunal's jurisdiction, she warned in a statement to AFP.

"The violence must stop," she insisted, urging "all those concerned to refrain from further escalating this situation and the Israel Defence Forces to avoid excessive use of force."

The Palestinian Authority joined the ICC in January 2015 signing up to the Rome Statute which underpins the world's only permanent war crimes court.

The Palestinians asked the prosecutor to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories in the Gaza war the previous year, and Bensouda opened her inquiry just a few days later.

The preliminary examination which comes ahead of a full-blown investigation continues.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court. Maliki will meet with prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Tuesday morning just over a week after 62 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they protested the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem. Maliki will update Bensouda on the situation in the Palestinian territories and also "submit a referral" on the issue of Jewish settlements during their talks at the International Criminal Court ICC), the Palestinian embassy in The Hague said in a statement. Afterwards, Maliki will hold a press conference outside the court. He will also meet later Tuesday with Dutch counterpart Stef Blok. Bensouda vowed last week that she was watching the unrest in Gaza closely and would "take any action warranted" to prosecute crimes. "My staff is vigilantly following developments on the ground and recording any alleged crime that could fall within" the tribunal's jurisdiction, she warned in a statement to AFP. "The violence must stop," she insisted, urging "all those concerned to refrain from further escalating this situation and the Israel Defence Forces to avoid excessive use of force." The Palestinian Authority joined the ICC in January 2015 signing up to the Rome Statute which underpins the world's only permanent war crimes court. The Palestinians asked the prosecutor to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories in the Gaza war the previous year, and Bensouda opened her inquiry just a few days later. The preliminary examination which comes ahead of a full-blown investigation continues.

Gaza violence: Palestinian foreign minister to press ICC on war crimes probe

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled.

In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded.

A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries.

Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes.

The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands.

Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence.

Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition."

Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip.

He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group.

Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers. The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled. In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded. A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries. Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence. Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition." Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip. He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group. Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel targets Hamas position after Gaza gunfire

Weeks of mass protests and deadly violence on the Gaza-Israel border have put the Palestinian cause back on the global agenda, but questions remain over whether the impact will last.

More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday, mainly from Israeli sniper fire, as tens of thousands rallied against the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.

The violence overshadowed the embassy move, as television networks split their screens between US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka speaking at the inauguration and the carnage on the Gaza border.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas.

Following unconfirmed reports of indirect contacts between Hamas and Israel, Tuesday proved far calmer -- only a few thousand people gathered on the border, with only minor incidents reported.

Ramadan, the Muslim month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, was also poised to begin on Thursday, likely to keep people away from the protests.

Near the border on Tuesday evening, 26-year-old Mutassim Hajjaj showed off videos of himself seeking to breach the border fence the day before.

He said the protests had overshadowed the embassy move.

"That's a victory. It's a victory for us as the Palestinian people as it raised the issue of the right of return," he said.

Hajjaj was referring to Palestinian demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 during the war surrounding Israel’s creation.

Israel, Hamas feel pressure

But whether the protests will have a lasting impact is up for debate.

So far, there has been limited diplomatic fallout for Israel, although the dozens of dead have led to condemnation from a range of countries worldwide.

Turkey, Ireland, Belgium and South Africa took diplomatic measures, while others called on the Jewish state to show more restraint against unarmed protesters.

But the United States vetoed a UN Security Council motion calling for an independent probe into the deaths and the President Donald Trump's administration blamed Hamas.

Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a politics professor at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, said Hamas will be hoping for an easing of Israel's blockade of the territory and for Egypt to open its border, largely closed in recent years.

"Under increased international pressure, Israel will have to come up with a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza," Abu Saada said.

Trump's administration and other global powers have failed to come up with a unified position, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.

"The international community ultimately proved itself unwilling and unable to curb Israeli action," he said.

"This further emboldened Israel."

Mark Heller of the Institute for National Security Studies at the University of Tel Aviv said the Israeli government, seen as the most right-wing in the country's history, would resist outside pressure.

"The government, in spite of the voices raised for an easing of the blockade, will not do anything because it does not consider Hamas can be a partner" for peace.

'Big disappointment'

Three wars between Israel and Hamas since 2008 have devastated Gaza, while damage to Israel was relatively limited.

Hamas has started to adopt a new language, encouraging what it argues are peaceful protests.&nbsp

Israel says protesters have used firebombs and explosive devices, while Israeli soldiers were fired upon at one point on Monday.

Only one Israeli soldier has been reported wounded since the protests began on March 30.

Officially the protests were due to end on Tuesday but Hamas leaders have said they will continue in some form.

Reham Owda, a political analyst in Gaza, said Hamas would face scrutiny over its strategy of encouraging thousands to the border for the "right to return" protests.

"Maybe we will witness some easing in the blockade, but for people who lost their sons, there will be a big disappointment.”

Some analysts say Hamas is not looking for a fresh war, knowing the impact would be severe on its already suffering people.&nbsp

"But Hamas cannot afford to wave the white flag," Heller said. "We must therefore expect sooner or later that new clashes are inevitable."

Israeli drones have flown over protesters near the border dropping tear gas, largely without any armed reaction.

But on Tuesday evening as one flew over, plainclothed militants in the crowd rushed to grab their Kalashnikov rifles and fired round after round into the air, eventually bringing it down, an AFP journalist witnessed.

"Victory!" a man shouted.

More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday

Weeks of mass protests and deadly violence on the Gaza-Israel border have put the Palestinian cause back on the global agenda, but questions remain over whether the impact will last. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday, mainly from Israeli sniper fire, as tens of thousands rallied against the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem. The violence overshadowed the embassy move, as television networks split their screens between US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka speaking at the inauguration and the carnage on the Gaza border. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas. Following unconfirmed reports of indirect contacts between Hamas and Israel, Tuesday proved far calmer -- only a few thousand people gathered on the border, with only minor incidents reported. Ramadan, the Muslim month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, was also poised to begin on Thursday, likely to keep people away from the protests. Near the border on Tuesday evening, 26-year-old Mutassim Hajjaj showed off videos of himself seeking to breach the border fence the day before. He said the protests had overshadowed the embassy move. "That's a victory. It's a victory for us as the Palestinian people as it raised the issue of the right of return," he said. Hajjaj was referring to Palestinian demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 during the war surrounding Israel’s creation. Israel, Hamas feel pressure But whether the protests will have a lasting impact is up for debate. So far, there has been limited diplomatic fallout for Israel, although the dozens of dead have led to condemnation from a range of countries worldwide. Turkey, Ireland, Belgium and South Africa took diplomatic measures, while others called on the Jewish state to show more restraint against unarmed protesters. But the United States vetoed a UN Security Council motion calling for an independent probe into the deaths and the President Donald Trump's administration blamed Hamas. Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a politics professor at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, said Hamas will be hoping for an easing of Israel's blockade of the territory and for Egypt to open its border, largely closed in recent years. "Under increased international pressure, Israel will have to come up with a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza," Abu Saada said. Trump's administration and other global powers have failed to come up with a unified position, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. "The international community ultimately proved itself unwilling and unable to curb Israeli action," he said. "This further emboldened Israel." Mark Heller of the Institute for National Security Studies at the University of Tel Aviv said the Israeli government, seen as the most right-wing in the country's history, would resist outside pressure. "The government, in spite of the voices raised for an easing of the blockade, will not do anything because it does not consider Hamas can be a partner" for peace. 'Big disappointment' Three wars between Israel and Hamas since 2008 have devastated Gaza, while damage to Israel was relatively limited. Hamas has started to adopt a new language, encouraging what it argues are peaceful protests. Israel says protesters have used firebombs and explosive devices, while Israeli soldiers were fired upon at one point on Monday. Only one Israeli soldier has been reported wounded since the protests began on March 30. Officially the protests were due to end on Tuesday but Hamas leaders have said they will continue in some form. Reham Owda, a political analyst in Gaza, said Hamas would face scrutiny over its strategy of encouraging thousands to the border for the "right to return" protests. "Maybe we will witness some easing in the blockade, but for people who lost their sons, there will be a big disappointment.” Some analysts say Hamas is not looking for a fresh war, knowing the impact would be severe on its already suffering people. "But Hamas cannot afford to wave the white flag," Heller said. "We must therefore expect sooner or later that new clashes are inevitable." Israeli drones have flown over protesters near the border dropping tear gas, largely without any armed reaction. But on Tuesday evening as one flew over, plainclothed militants in the crowd rushed to grab their Kalashnikov rifles and fired round after round into the air, eventually bringing it down, an AFP journalist witnessed. "Victory!" a man shouted.

Gaza violence: Palestinian cause back on global agenda as nearly 100 killed in seven weeks

Britain on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing clashes along the Gaza border that have left over dozens dead. The country has called for an investigation after Israeli troops clamped down on Palestinian protesters.

"There should be an investigation into this," junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament. "The United Kingdom has been clear in calling for urgently a need to establish the facts of what happened, including why such a volume of live fire was used ..."

Burt also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region. He also urged other countries to extend international support.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

Britain also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region

Britain on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing clashes along the Gaza border that have left over dozens dead. The country has called for an investigation after Israeli troops clamped down on Palestinian protesters. "There should be an investigation into this," junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament. "The United Kingdom has been clear in calling for urgently a need to establish the facts of what happened, including why such a volume of live fire was used ..." Burt also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region. He also urged other countries to extend international support. (With inputs from Reuters)

Gaza violence: Britain calls for investigation

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday there were "no innocent people" in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip after 10 days of protests and clashes left 30 Palestinians dead.

"There are no innocent people in the Gaza Strip," Lieberman told Israel's public radio.

"Everyone's connected to Hamas, everyone gets a salary from Hamas, and all the activists trying to challenge us and breach the border are Hamas military wing activists."

Israel has faced mounting questions over its use of live fire after 10 days of protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip border in which its forces have killed 30 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Violence spiked again on Friday, when clashes erupted as thousands protested along the border, and nine Palestinians, including a journalist, were killed.

On March 30, Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians as a protest by tens of thousands led to clashes.

There have been no reported Israeli casualties.

Israel says it has only opened fire when necessary to stop damage to the border fence, infiltrations and attempted attacks.

It alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

But rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops.

The European Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected.

On Saturday, the European Union raised questions over whether Israeli troops engaged in "proportionate use of force".

Israel has faced mounting questions over its use of live fire after 10 days of protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip border in which its forces have killed 30 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday there were "no innocent people" in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip after 10 days of protests and clashes left 30 Palestinians dead. "There are no innocent people in the Gaza Strip," Lieberman told Israel's public radio. "Everyone's connected to Hamas, everyone gets a salary from Hamas, and all the activists trying to challenge us and breach the border are Hamas military wing activists." Israel has faced mounting questions over its use of live fire after 10 days of protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip border in which its forces have killed 30 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Violence spiked again on Friday, when clashes erupted as thousands protested along the border, and nine Palestinians, including a journalist, were killed. On March 30, Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians as a protest by tens of thousands led to clashes. There have been no reported Israeli casualties. Israel says it has only opened fire when necessary to stop damage to the border fence, infiltrations and attempted attacks. It alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence. But rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops. The European Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected. On Saturday, the European Union raised questions over whether Israeli troops engaged in "proportionate use of force".

Israel defence minister says 'no innocent people' in Gaza

The United States today blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of clashes on the Gaza-Israel border that left 16 dead, diplomats said.

Clashes erupted as tens of thousands of Gazans protested near the border on Friday, with Israeli forces using tear gas and live fire to force back smaller numbers of demonstrators who approached within a few hundred yards of the heavily fortified border fence.

In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry.

Kuwait, which represents Arab countries on the council, presented the proposed statement, which called for an "independent and transparent investigation" of the violence.

The draft council statement also expressed "grave concern at the situation at the border." And it reaffirmed "the right to peaceful protest" and expressed the council's "sorrow at the loss of innocent Palestinian lives." The draft statement was circulated to the council on Friday, but on Saturday the United States raised objections and said it did not support its adoption, a Security Council diplomat told AFP.

The US mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request from AFP for comment.

The proposed statement also called "for respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians," according to the draft seen by AFP.

Council members "called upon all sides to exercise restraint and prevent a further escalation," the draft said.

The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.&nbsp

The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution

The United States today blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of clashes on the Gaza-Israel border that left 16 dead, diplomats said. Clashes erupted as tens of thousands of Gazans protested near the border on Friday, with Israeli forces using tear gas and live fire to force back smaller numbers of demonstrators who approached within a few hundred yards of the heavily fortified border fence. In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry. Kuwait, which represents Arab countries on the council, presented the proposed statement, which called for an "independent and transparent investigation" of the violence. The draft council statement also expressed "grave concern at the situation at the border." And it reaffirmed "the right to peaceful protest" and expressed the council's "sorrow at the loss of innocent Palestinian lives." The draft statement was circulated to the council on Friday, but on Saturday the United States raised objections and said it did not support its adoption, a Security Council diplomat told AFP. The US mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request from AFP for comment. The proposed statement also called "for respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians," according to the draft seen by AFP. Council members "called upon all sides to exercise restraint and prevent a further escalation," the draft said. The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.

US blocks UN Security Council statement on Gaza violence

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