March 31, 2018 -- Sixteen Shot and Killed near Gaza Border

© Provided by AFP  Israeli soldiers fire tear gas as thousands of Gazans march just across the border fence sparking clashes in which 16 Palestinians were killed and more than 1,400 wounded on March 30, 2018

16 Palestinian protesters were killed on Friday after conflicts arose between Israeli armed forces near the Gaza border.   The demonstrations, which began Friday and are scheduled until May 15, took place at several locations along the Israeli-Gaza border.  May 15 is the day set for the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem.   

Organizers of the demonstration are to have encouraged the protesters to stay a safe distance away from the fence.  However, a group broke away and headed toward the fence hurling rocks and rolling flaming tires.  Israel responded with force.  The protesters were clearly out matched.  Israel had made it clear that they would not tolerate any attempt to come close to the fence or to breach the boarder.     

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the Israeli troops for guarding the Israeli-Gaza boarder.  Others were not so enthusiastic.  Iran’s foreign minister on Saturday condemned the shooting of the 16 Gazan protesters.