Palestinians plan Gaza border tent protests for refugees

Hundreds of tents are to be erected near the Gaza-Israel border for a six-week show of support for Palestinian refugees, Palestinian officials say, in what may stir fresh tensions with Israeli forces.

Palestinian families are to set up hundreds of tents — possibly thousands — for the protests running from March 30 to May 15, organizers say.

Protesters plan to call for the right of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East to return to homes they fled in the war surrounding the 1948 creation of Israel.

Organizers say the families could stay in the tents for prolonged periods, with youth and community activities planned.

The demonstration has the backing of all political factions in the Gaza Strip, including its Islamist rulers Hamas.

— AFP