The latest round of Hamas-led riots at the Israel-Gaza border resulted in one Palestinian dead and 170 injured as rioters set gas lines ablaze.
The May 11 riots had the usual features of violence from the prior riots: rocks, burning tires, and pipe bombs were hurled at Israel Defense Force (IDF) members. Kites that were ablaze in flames were flown toward the Israeli side of the fence, causing fires.
Additionally, for the second week in a row, rioters set gas lines on fire at Kerem Shalom, where humanitarian goods are transferred from Israel to Gaza, meaning that the rioters have been engaging in actions that harm the people of Gaza.
The IDF issued a statement saying they were using “riot dispersal” measures that are “in accordance with the rules of engagement.”
“The IDF will not allow any harm to the security infrastructure or security fence and will continue standing by its mission to defend and ensure the security of the citizens of Israel and Israeli sovereignty, as necessary,” the IDF said.
Here are some scenes from the riots:
Today, approximately 15,000 Palestinians participated in riots along the Gaza border. The rioters hurled pipe bombs, rocks, & grenades, sabotaged security infrastructure, & burned tires pic.twitter.com/4adTrXMMz6
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2018
Earlier today, dozens of rioters vandalized & ignited fires on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing in Gaza. The rioters damaged gas pipelines that run from Israel to Gaza & benefit the Gaza’s residents pic.twitter.com/W1AY8dIPOU
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 11, 2018
Around 15,000 Palestinians took part in the May 11 riots.
These latest riots are the last of Hamas’s weekly riots protesting the displaced Arabs from the 1948 War of Independence. However, this was just the opening act to the riots expected to occur on May 14 and 15, when the United States unveils its new embassy in Jerusalem.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared on May 10 that he hopes that Palestinians are able to penetrate the Israel-Gaza fence during the upcoming riots, which is essentially an admission that this has been Hamas’s goal all along.
“What’s the problem with hundreds of thousands breaking through a fence that is not a border?” Sinwar said.
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