Three Palestinians dead in clashes at Gaza border with Israel

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Three Palestinians died during violence Friday marking nine months of weekly protests at the Gaza-Israel border, the Gaza Ministry of Health said.

Palestinian news agency WAFA identified the dead Mohammad Mo'een Jahjouh, 16, Abdul-Aziz Abu Shari'a, 28, and Maher Yasin, 40. Health officials said another 27 people sustained injuries, including journalists and medical workers.

The Jerusalem Post reported the demonstrators burned tires and threw rocks and explosive devices as Israel Defense Forces, though none of the projectiles landed on Israeli land.

Israeli forces opened fire on the protesters using live bullets and rubber-coated steel rounds. Medical workers inside an ambulance had breathing troubles after an Israeli teargas canister struck their vehicle.

"Troops responded with riot dispersal means and fired in accordance with standard operating procedures," an Israeli military spokeswoman said.

The demonstrators were taking part in weekly Friday protests at locations along the border. The demonstrations, named the Great March of Return, call for the return of refugees to their homes and lands from which they were displaced in 1948.

The Gaza Health Ministry said more than 208 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began March 30.