Israeli tanks shoot dead Palestinian protesters

Clashes broke out between protesters and Israeli troops near the security fence in Gaza. Photo: AFP.

Israeli army (IDF) tanks opened fire on protesters trying to approach the security fence near the town of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, today, killing one Palestinian and seriously injuring another,Haareztreport

The IDF had previously deployed hundreds of soldiers, heavy weapons, snipers, and armed riot police to the Gaza Strip to prevent large-scale Palestinian protests.

Thousands of Palestinians began marching in six locations across the Gaza Strip this morning, prompting Israeli soldiers to open fire and use tear gas to stop people from approaching the border.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least seven people were killed and hundreds injured by Israeli soldiers' bullets and tear gas.

The march was the start of a "March of Return" protest that could last more than six weeks to protest the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the planned opening of a new embassy in the city on May 14.

Palestinians in Gaza have been urged to set up a series of protest camps along the border with Israel, about 100 metres from the security fence.

"The protest is to send a message that the Palestinian people are united against the occupation, the control of land and the illegitimate agreements," said Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Jerusalem is home to many holy sites in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Israel captured the area in the 1967 Middle East war, considering all of Jerusalem its undivided capital. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. The United Nations, meanwhile, has placed Jerusalem under international administration.