Palestinian rioters on the Gaza border. (AP/Khalil Hamra)
Hamas-led violence on the Gaza border has resulted in 16 Palestinian casualties, including many terrorists.
By: World Israel News Staff
By the middle of the day, close to 50 Palestinians were killed Monday by IDF fire on the Gaza border during violent clashes, which involved some 35,000 rioters. The casualties include three terrorists who attempted to place an explosive device on the security fence in Rafah, using the violent riots as cover.
The numbers continue to rise.
Earlier on, an Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft bombed a Hamas military post near Jabalia after shots were fired at IDF troops from the area. No Israelis were injured in the incident.
Gaza’s health ministry claimed that 700 people were wounded Monday, including at least 69 by live fire.
Palestinians flew “fire kites,” which carried burning objects into Israel and caused wildfires in several locations.
For the past seven weeks, Hamas has been leading a series of protests under the “March of Return” banner. Hamas has declared that the riots will culminate with “decisive” action on Tuesday, May 15, the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, which the Palestinians observe as Nakba Day, meaning “Day of Catastrophe.”
The IDF vowed to prevent a potential breach of the Gaza border at all costs and has added several layers of security.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the army has been “massively reinforced” along the front lines of the border. Additional layers of forces have been stationed inside and between Israeli communities in order to defend Israeli civilians.
Conricus said Monday that “even if the fence is breached, we will be able to protect Israeli civilians from attempts to massacre or kidnap or kill them.”
The IDF is prepared for a variety of scenarios, with IDF commanders present on the field, conducting situation assessments and guiding the troops.
“The IDF will act forcefully against any terrorist activity and will operate to prevent attacks against Israelis,” it stated.
Some 55 Palestinians, mostly terrorists, have been killed in the weeks-long clashes.
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