Israeli soldiers open fire, 8 injured

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GAZA, May 17 (UPI) -- Israeli soldiers opened fire near the Karni border crossing in northern Gaza Thursday, injuring eight civilians, Palestinian authorities said.

The soldiers opened fire at armed Palestinians approaching the border crossing, despite repeated warnings, Israeli Army Radio said. The troops suspected the approaching group wanted to place explosives at the compound.

Medical sources in Gaza told Haaretz two people sustained serious wounds because of rifle and shell fire. Three of the injured were elderly, medical personnel said.

Thursday's incident occurred after Israeli forces last month fired at a group of demonstrators that approached the security fence on the Israel-Gaza border to protest what it said was Israel's plan to create a security buffer zone around the Gaza Strip.