Palestinians killed by Israeli army fire on the Gaza border rise to 7

AP
Palestinian protesters run for cover from teargas fired by Israeli troops during a protest at the Gaza Strip鈥檚 border with Israel on Friday, May 11. (AP)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip: Gaza's Health Ministry says the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli army fire on the Gaza border has risen to 7.

Israel earlier warned Gaza residents they will be risking their lives if they approach the border during a planned mass protest.

The army says in the leaflets dropped by jets Monday that it will 鈥渁ct against every attempt to damage the security fence or harm IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians.鈥�

Gaza鈥檚 ruling Hamas says it expects tens of thousands to join Monday鈥檚 march, suggesting a possible border breach. The march is part of a campaign to break Gaza鈥檚 decade-old border blockade. It鈥檚 also a protest against the inauguration Monday of a US Embassy in contested Jerusalem.

Since March, 42 Palestinian protesters have been killed and more than 1,800 wounded by Israeli army fire.

With Israel and Hamas digging in, there has been concern about large numbers of casualties Monday.