ISRAELI forces shot and killed five Palestinians, four of whom were children, during Saturday’s Land Day protests at the illegally erected Gaza border at which at least 300 were also injured.

At least 40,000 Palestinians gathered at five locations along the Gaza Strip to mark the 43rd anniversary of Land Day and the one year anniversary of the Great March of Return.

The Gaza Health Ministry yesterday confirmed the death of 13-year-old Mujahed Essam Anwar Abu A’msha after he was struck with a tear gas canister during Saturday’s protests.

Muhammad Sa’ad was killed after he was hit in the head by shrapnel caused by Israeli fire before dawn at an overnight protest before the main demonstration, Gaza’s health ministry confirmed.

Three 17-year-old boys were killed later in the day. Adham Amara died after he was shot in the face. Tamer Abu Al-Kheir and Bilal Al-Najar died after being shot in a protest east of Khan Younes. 

Demonstration organisers, including Hamas, released a statement calling for protesters to remain peaceful and keep to at least 200 metres from the perimeter fence.

However Israeli forces opened fire with live bullets as the protest began, claiming to have been targeted by “explosive devices” and hand grenades.

Despite Israeli army spokesman Brigadier General Ronen Manelis saying the demonstrations were “restrained” more than 300 Palestinians were wounded and required hospital treatment.

The Gaza Health Ministry said at least 60 people were wounded by live Israeli fire, five of them remain in critical condition and nine in a serious condition.

Palestinian civil rights organisations called for a military embargo against Israel and for Tel Aviv to be held accountable for war crimes.

Gaza-based paramedic Sabreen Al Najjar said:  “My daughter, paramedic Razan Al Najjar, was shot by an Israeli sniper while wearing her white uniform and trying to rescue those injured protesting for their rights. 

“During Razan’s short life, she was confined to a densely populated, prison-like strip of land, surrounded by Israeli blockades and walls. She witnessed three Israeli military aggressions that wounded and killed thousands of innocent Palestinians. 

“For her and for all of us Palestinians, the Great Return March is our cry for justice.”

He said it was the “obligation of the international community to act and stop supplying Israel with the weapons that it used to kill Razan and so many others like her” calling for “a military embargo against Israel so that we can live in freedom and peace.”