At least 130 Gazans hit by Israeli gunfire — Palestinian ministry

GAZA — At least 130 Palestinians were hit by Israeli gunfire on Friday as thousands protested near Gaza's border with Israel, the health ministry in the enclave said.

Following calls to avoid an escalation in violence, the demonstrators largely kept their distance from the fortified frontier fence, but Israeli occupation forces opened fire nonetheless, the ministry said.

"The soldiers who were there responded with riot dispersal means, along with gunfire in accordance with the rules of engagement," he said.

Rockets allegedly fired from Gaza on Wednesday had brought the territory's Hamas rulers and Israel closer to a wide scale confrontation.

Since March, Palestinians have moved right up to the border fence every Friday and occasionally breached it, leading to clashes in which more than 200 Palestinians have been killed.

While thousands again gathered for the latest protests in northern Gaza, the demonstrators largely remained at least 100 metres from the border.

An AFP correspondent said Hamas security officials in at least one location were seen discouraging protesters from nearing the fence.

Kites and balloons equipped with incendiary devices were launched across the border as the Israeli authorities said one of its aircraft targeted a group of men launching balloons.

An Egyptian security delegation visited the Gaza Strip on Thursday and encouraged Hamas leader Ismail Haniya to calm the protests, an Egyptian official said.

United Nations envoy Nickolay Mladenov, in a Tweet, also urged all sides "to exercise restraint, to proceed in a peaceful manner, and to avoid escalation".

In response to the alleged rocket, Israeli air strikes targeted around 20 targets in Gaza, supposedly belonging to Hamas.

Since 2008, the Israelis launched three onslaughts against Gaza and its ruling resistance group, Hamas, killing and injuring thousands of Palestinians, including children.