Gaza boy, 15, said killed by IDF during border riot

A 15-year-old boy was killed by Israeli troops during a riot along the Gaza security fence on Wednesday, according to the Strip’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said Ahmed Abu Habel, 15, succumbed to a head wound after being hit with a tear gas canister fired by soldiers near the Erez checkpoint between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces said approximately 1,000 Palestinians took part in riots along the border, spread out among a few locations.

According to an army spokesperson, the Palestinians threw makeshift explosive devices and rocks at soldiers on the other side of the fence, who retaliated with riot dispersal weapons, like tear gas, as well as live fire, “in accordance with the rules of engagement.”

The spokesperson said she was aware of the reports of al-Qudra’s death, but could not confirm that the IDF was responsible for it.

Palestinian media reported that an additional 15 people had been injured by Israeli fire during the protests.

No Israeli soldiers were reported injured.

Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip and actively calls for Israel’s destruction, has recently increased the pace of rioting and demonstrations against Israel, and created new units tasked with sustaining tensions along the border fence including during nighttime and early morning hours.

The latest surge of violence in Gaza began in March with a series of protests along the border that were dubbed the “March of Return.” The clashes have included regular rock and Molotov cocktail attacks on troops, as well as shooting and IED attacks aimed at IDF soldiers, and attempts to breach the border fence.

Israel has responded with riot dispersal means and live fire to prevent attempts at breaching the border fence.

Gaza protesters have also launched incendiary kites and balloons into Israel, sparking fires that have destroyed forests, burned crops and killed livestock. Over 7,000 acres of land have been burned, causing millions of shekels in damages, according to Israeli officials. Some balloons have carried improvised explosive devices.

At least 140 Palestinians were killed during the protests since late March, according to AP figures. Hamas has acknowledged that dozens of the fatalities were its members.

The riots have increased in recent weeks, going from a weekly event to near nightly protests since Hamas halted indirect talks with Israel aimed at a ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has also worsened and reconciliation talks with the Palestinian Authority have broken down.

The Hamas terror group seized control of Gaza from the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority in 2007.