Arab-Israelis stage general strike over Gaza martyrs

JERUSALEM (AA) – Arab-Israelis staged a general strike on Wednesday in mourning of dozens of Palestinians martyred by Israeli gunfire during anti-occupation protests in the Gaza Strip.

The strike, called by the Higher Follow-up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, includes shops, schools and businesses across Arab villages and towns in Israel.

The Follow-up Committee is considered as the highest representative body of the Arab public in Israel and includes the entire political spectrum.

At least 62 Palestinian demonstrators were martyred and hundreds more injured by Israeli armed forces along the Gaza border Monday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Turkey has responded to the violence by asking the Israeli ambassador to leave the country, while also recalling its ambassadors to the U.S. and Israel “for consultations”.

Since the Gaza rallies kicked off on Mar. 30, scores of Palestinian demonstrators have been killed -- and thousands injured -- by Israeli troops deployed along the other side of the border.