GAZA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- In spite of the efforts that Egypt and other mediators made to restore calm in the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Palestinians resumed Friday rallies and protests close to the border with Israel.
The anti-Israel protests and rallies, better known as the "Great March of Return" starting on March 30, were resumed on Friday afternoon for the 21st consecutive week.
Eyewitnesses and local media reported that hundreds of angry youth approached the fence of the border in five different spots close to the border.
Demonstrators burned tires, waved Palestinian flags before releasing dozens of arson balloons and kites into Israel, according to the reports, which added that some demonstrators cut parts of the barbed wire of the border fence.
Abdulatif al-Qanou'a, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, said in an emailed statement that the Great March of Return will continue "until it achieves its goals."
"The marches and protests confused the enemy (Israel) calculations and compelled it to make concessions and pay its dues," he said, adding "these marches will go on until it fully achieves all its goals."
The Highest Commission for the Great March of Return, which comprises several Palestinian factions including Hamas, had earlier called on people to join the rallies and protests in eastern Gaza.
"Today's marches were organized in rejection to the Zionist (Israeli) violations that never stop against Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque," said the commission in a statement, adding "the protests today are also in support for Jerusalem residents."
Gaza Health Ministry said that at least 12 Palestinians were injured, including six by live gunshots. One of them is in serious condition after being shot in the chest.
During the protests and rallies, the Palestinians threw stones at the soldiers stationed at the borders, while the soldiers fired dozens of tear gas canisters and live gunshots to prevent the protesters from reaching the fence.
However, Israeli media reports said that during the protests, a Palestinian threw a hand grenade at Israeli soldiers, adding that the soldiers opened fire and shot him.
On Thursday, three delegations, representing Hamas, the left-wing Palestinian parties and senior employees in various ministries in the Gaza Strip, headed to Cairo to resume talks with the Egyptian mediators.
Official Palestinian sources said that talks in Cairo will focus on a possible long-term truce with Israel in Gaza and resuming reconciliation talks aiming at ending internal Palestinian division that has been going on for 12 years.
Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip had earlier stated that since the beginning of the Great March of Return, the Israeli army killed 169 Palestinians and wounded more than 17,000 others, mostly with gunshots.
