Israeli army: 10,000 Palestinians protesting in Gaza

The Israeli army said in a statement on Friday afternoon that some 10,000 Palestinians were demonstrating in Gaza today.

"Approximately 10,000 Palestinians have been rioting in five locations along the border with the Gaza Strip," AFP quoted the statement as saying, adding that "several attempts have been made to damage and cross the security fence under the cover of the smokescreen created by the burning tyres that the rioters ignited".

The military also claimed that explosive devices and firebombs were thrown, but made no mentions of any injuries on the Israeli side.

Over the course of several hours at the #Gaza border today and Thurs, I haven't seen any protesters with guns or Molotov cocktails.

I've seen a tiny handful - single digits among thousands of young men - with axes, knives or heavy shears for cutting the fence.
— Raf Sanchez (@rafsanchez) April 6, 2018

"Troops are responding with riot dispersal means, including water cannons to put out fires, a huge fan to disperse the smoke, and fire in accordance with the rules of engagement," the army added.

The Israeli army usually uses the term "riot dispersal means" as a euphemism to describe anything from tear gas and sound bombs to rubber-coated steel bullets or live bullets.