Violence erupts afresh at Israel-Gaza border as protest enters third week

Clashes erupted today as thousands gathered for a third consecutive Friday of mass protests along Gaza's border with Israel after violence in which Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others.

Limited clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli soldiers took place in at least two areas along the border, AFP reporters said, with larger protests expected after Friday Muslim prayers.

At least eight Palestinians were wounded, the health ministry in Gaza said, with one shot in the head.

Most were injured east of Gaza City, but two were hurt in clashes near Al-Bureij in central Gaza. Many protesters left for midday prayers but larger numbers are expected to gather in five spots along the border on Friday afternoon.

In northern Gaza, a large Israeli flag was burned that had earlier been set on the ground for protesters to walk over.

The protests since March 30 have posed a challenge to Israel, which has dismissed criticism of its use of live fire, saying its rules of engagement are necessary and will not change.