Israeli forces shoot, injure 2 Palestinian youths in northern Gaza Strip

Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinian youths on Friday after clashes erupted in the northern Gaza Strip.

Medical sources said that the Palestinian was injured by Israeli bullets near the border fence in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip during clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces, reported Ma’an.

The sources added that the Palestinian was injured in the foot, and was transferred to the Indonesian hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, another Palestinian was injured in his stomach by an Israeli bullet. His wounds were described as serious by medical crews at the Indonesian hospital.

According to locals, both Palestinians were shot by an Israeli sniper stationed at the border between Gaza and Israel for an unknown reason.

An Israeli army spokesperson said she would look into reports on the incident.

The borders between Gaza and Israel are often the site of violent clashes as Palestinians in Gaza have continued to protest the nearly 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.