Palestinian dies from wounds after being injured by Israeli gunfire during Gaza protest

A Palestinian wounded three days ago during protests along the Gaza border fence died on Tuesday, the health ministry in the strip said, bringing the number of fatalities from the day to five.

Faris Abu Hajaras, 26, was shot by Israeli fire in his stomach east of Khan Younis Saturday and succumbed to his wounds Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered in different spots along the beseiged enclave's border fence Saturday for the first anniversary of the often violent protests there.

Four other men, including three 17-year-olds, were killed by Israeli fire Saturday, according to the ministry.

At least 263 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the Great Return March protests began last year.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period in Gaza-related violence.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend its borders and accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the Gaza Strip, of orchestrating violence there.

But a UN probe has said Israeli soldiers intentionally fired on civilians in what could constitute war crimes. Israeli snipers have been accused of firing at limbs to permanently disable Palestinian protesters, medical staff, journalists, and activists.