Palestinian demonstrators gather at the Israel-Gaza border during clashes with Israeli troops at a protest demanding the right to return to their homeland, east of Gaza City April 6, 2018. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem The Hamas-led riots at the Israel-Gaza border intensified on April 6, as at least seven protesters have died while protesters conjure smoke over the border.
Haaretz reports that, according to Hamas’ Gaza Health Ministry, the seven dead Palestinians were killed by the Israel Defense Force (IDF). An additional 1,070 were injured, but it appears that most of the injuries were due to smoke inhalation. The Gaza Health Ministry is claiming that 293 were wounded from the IDF.
The Times of Israel is reporting that the IDF is claiming that the protesters who were killed or hurt by the IDF were all members of Hamas and committing acts of violence.
“There were attempts to carry out acts of terrorism … using the smoke for cover,” IDF spokesman Rob Manelis said.
The IDF detailed Hamas’ use of smoke on Twitter:
During today’s “peaceful protests” Hamas plans on burning over 10,000 tires, attempting to infiltrate Israel, and carrying out terror attacks.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2018
Hamas is burning tires to make a smokescreen and using it in an attempt to turn the Gaza-Israel border into a warzone, endangering civilians in Gaza and Israel alike. Hamas is literally trying to set the Gaza-Israel border on fire.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2018
Over the past hour, rioters have attempted to damage & cross the security fence under the cover of smoke from their burning tires. They also attempted to carry out terror attacks & hurl of explosive devices & firebombs pic.twitter.com/g8fk9N4vcT
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2018
IDF troops thwarted the infiltrations and 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
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2018
The IDF then tweeted out a graphic highlighting how quickly Hamas terrorists could reach Israelis from the border:
The IDF is protecting Israeli civilians whose homes are just minutes from the Gaza border#NotAPeacefulProtest#TerrorNotProtest pic.twitter.com/gCChN62L8l
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 6, 2018
The Palestinians are claiming that the smoke is due to Israel using some sort of nerve gas, despite the evidence to the contrary:
Palestinians release toxic fumes burning 10,000 tires so severe it can be seen from outer space then falsely claim the #IDF “gassed” them. Disgusting and shameful dishonesty. #stopthestorm pic.twitter.com/GNvpkHLwQB
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) April 6, 2018
Here are some more scenes from the April 6 riots:
Actual flags flying at the Gaza riots today against Israel:
THIS is the true face of terrorist organization Hamas. pic.twitter.com/LGhC4XVBxl— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) April 6, 2018
Palestinians burn photos of Saudi king and crown prince https://t.co/rnoB3gOqML
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) April 6, 2018
More scenes from Gaza now pic.twitter.com/KZMIy9RPZQ
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) April 6, 2018
Drone footage shows black smoke billowing from mounds of tires being burnt by Palestinians as thousands gather for protests near the Gaza-Israeli border. https://t.co/2UQa6ebpV7 pic.twitter.com/Gofgek29PR
— ABC News (@ABC) April 6, 2018
Around 20,000 protesters attended the April 6 riots, a decline from the estimated 30,000 a week earlier.
The riots at the border are all part of Hamas’ six week “March of Return” protests against the displacement of Arabs in the aftermath of Israel’s War of Independence. The riots are expected to escalate to May 15, the day after Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary of being officially established as an independent Jewish nation. Hamas’ plan involves using civilians as human shields in order to penetrate the border and launch terror attacks against Israelis.
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