According to reports, Israeli security forces used live fire and tear gas against protesters in Gaza on Wednesday as Palestinians gathered to demonstrate against a planned Israeli flag march through the old city, a day before the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
Witnesses reported clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces, including the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and live fire, leading to at least two people being wounded by live fire, one of them a minor.
The march was planned to take place in East Jerusalem in the week of Sukkot, a Jewish holiday, sparking criticism from Palestinians who contend that it is intended to further solidify Israeli control over the city.
Israel has denied such claims, insisting that the march is merely an expression of national pride. Hamas, the militant group which controls the Gaza Strip, has called for a general strike in response to the planned provocative march, and protesters in Gaza have been gathering for several days in anticipation of the march, which has been delayed at the last minute.
The Israeli military has been criticized in the past for its use of live fire and tear gas against protesters. The US government has also raised its concerns about the use of force against demonstrators, urging both sides to de-escalate the situation.