Gaza protest turns sour, 10 injured

GAZA, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Palestinians protesting unemployment clashed with police in Gaza Monday following a demonstration that turned into riots in which 10 people were injured.

The protesters who marched in the main streets of the city of Khan Younes in south Gaza Strip tried to close down shops by force and cut off roads with burning tires, prompting police forces to intervene to stop them from marching on the governor's office, security sources said.

The angry demonstrators then pelted policemen with stones and sharp objects, as the latter retorted by firing their rifles into the air.

A medical source at the local hospital said 10 people were injured including protesters and policemen.

A spokesman for the protestors said the aim of the march is to pressure the authorities to secure jobs in light of difficult economic conditions.