Israeli army kills four Palestinians on Gaza border

The Israeli army said that the Palestinians were armed and that one of them managed to cross the border and throw a grenade at Israeli troops.

There have been frequent clashes along the Gaza border since the Palestinians began organising regular mass protests there in March 2018 but Saturday's exchange was unusual because of the weaponry the Israeli army alleged was involved on the Palestinian side.

"The terrorists were equipped with AK-47 assault rifles, RPG grenade launchers and hand grenades," an army statement said.

An Israeli spokeswoman said: "The army opened fire after one of the terrorists scaled the barrier and hurled a grenade at the soldiers."

No casualties were reported on the Israeli side.

Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border demanding the lifting of Israel's more than decade-old blockade have often led to a brutal response from the Israeli army.

At least 301 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since March 2018, the majority during the demonstrations.

Seven Israelis have also been killed.

The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a truce brokered by UN officials and Egypt.

Under the truce, Israel agreed to take steps to ease aspects of its blockade.

On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge the killing of his disabled brother by the Israeli army entered Israel from Gaza armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle and hand grenades. He was killed and three Israeli soldiers were wounded.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to avoid a major flare-up in the Palestinian territories before Israeli elections are held on September 17.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

The border clash on Saturday came as Palestinians prepare to mark Eid al-Adha, one of the two major annual Muslim festivals.