Palestinian protesters react to tear gas fired by Israeli forces during a protest near the Erez crossing with Israel on September 4, 2018, in the northern Gaza Strip protesting against the United States decision to stop funding and backing the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees(UNRWA). (AFP photo)
GAZA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated on Tuesday afternoon in northern Gaza Strip against United States' decision of stopping U.S. financial aid to United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), eyewitnesses and local media reported.
The Gaza-based highest commission of the "Great March of Return," which was found on March 30, organized the demonstration in northern Gaza Strip close to the fence of the border with Israel.
The commission said in a press statement that the demonstration was against U.S. President Donald Trump's declarations against the Palestinians since last December, mainly cutting off aid to the Palestinians and declaring Jerusalem as capital of Israel.
When the demonstrators approached the borders, clashes broke with Israeli soldiers close to Erez Crossing Point on the border between northern Gaza Strip and Israel, the eyewitnesses said.
The demonstrators burned tires, waved Palestinian flags and threw stones at the Israeli army lookout posts and forces.
Medical sources said that Israeli soldiers opened fire at the demonstrators, shot and wounded at least three when they approached the fence of the borders. Dozens suffered suffocation after inhaling tear gas.
Earlier Tuesday, leader of Islamic Hamas movement in Gaza Yahya Sinwar stated that his movement is not seeking a war with Israel, and is interested in reinforcing the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire agreement reached with Israel in 2014.
"But this doesn't mean that we are not ready to repel and prevent any (Israeli) aggression. We are always fully ready together with all other factions to do so," said Sinwar, stressing that "popular protests and marches are currently our choice."
Since the beginning of rallies and marches on March 30, Gaza Health Ministry said that 171 Palestinians were killed and more than 18,000 wounded, many of whom were shot by live ammunition.
