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Scene (Illustrative). Published by Maan News
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GAZA (Ma’an) – Israeli forces Friday opened live ammunition during clashes with Palestinians near al-Bureij refugee on the eastern borders of the besieged Gaza Strip, injuring a 16-year-old Palestinian.

A spokesperson said that the 16-year-old was shot and injured in the stomach when clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinian youth near the security border between the small Palestinian territory and Israel.

The youth was transferred to Shuhada Al-Aqsa hospital, the spokesperson added.

Israeli snipers were deployed on dirt mounds on the eastern borders of the besieged enclave during the clashes, and opened live fire at a group of more than 50 Palestinian youths.

Clashes were continuing as of 7 p.m. on Friday as Israeli forces continued to shoot tear gas canisters into the Palestinian territory. A number of Palestinian ambulances were also reportedly on the scene.

An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma’an she would look into reports on the clashes.

The borders between Gaza and Israel are often the site of violent clashes as Palestinians in Gaza have continued to protest the decade-long Israeli-imposed siege on the small territory. Rights groups have pointed out that the siege has crippled Gaza’s economy, while the UN has warned that the enclave would become uninhabitable by 2020 if Israeli authorities continue their refusal to lift the blockade.

According to UN documentation, at least 178 Palestinians in Gaza were injured by Israeli forces in 2016, while eight Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during this period, mainly during clashes with Israeli forces along the security barrier between the territory and Israel.