BBC News
July 20, 2009 - 12:00am
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8159259.stm


One Palestinian was killed and two were injured in incidents on the Israel-Gaza border on Sunday, Israeli officials and Palestinian medics have said.

The man died in hospital in Israel after he was shot while approaching the border fence. The Israeli military said he did not heed warning shots.

Separately, two Palestinians were hurt by Israeli tank fire, Gaza medics said.

Israel's military said troops returned fire after a border patrol was targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade.

But a pro-Hamas website said militants had been retaliating against Israeli fire.

A spokeswoman for Soroka Hospital in Israel said the man had died from severe chest injuries about two hours after he was brought in for treatment.

The Israeli military said he had aroused suspicion by approaching the fence in a heavy coat, despite high summer temperatures.

But it said he was later found to be unarmed.

Both incidents took place in the vicinity of Nahal Oz, the main transfer point for fuel into Gaza.

Periodic incidents have taken place on the border since Israel's large-scale military operation in Gaza in January.

Israel said the operation was aimed at ending Palestinian rocket fire into Israel, which has since been greatly reduced.




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