Security forces dressed in riot gear had to be deployed in large number along the borders of the Israeli and Palestinian territories. This came in anticipation of a possible repeat of violence that took place last year where 38 people were killed near the borders with Syria and Lebanon.
On Friday, a Palestinian man was shot by Israeli troops. Thousands are participating in the annual protest against land policies in the Jewish states. Protesters include people from Israel, Palestine and neighboring countries. Thus far, this year the protests have been smaller and organizers have been able to kept demonstrators from marching to the borders.
The rallies, known as Land Day Rallies, are held each year and marked by Palestinians and Israeli Arabs in Gaza and the West Bank who protest against what they believe are discriminatory land policies laid out by Israel.
The military of Israel said they fired a number of warning shots before aiming directly at the man. The military also said they used tear gas on protesters before gunfire. Another 37 protestors in Gaza had been reported injured during the demonstrations.
Skirmishes by midday had started between security forces and protesters in the area of Jerusalem. Rocks were thrown at Israeli forces by Palestinian protestors and the troops responded with their tear gas, rubber pellets and stun grenades.
