Israeli army reinforces troops on Gaza border

By Said Amouri

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army said Sunday it has reinforced its forces along the border with the Gaza Strip amid tension.

A military statement said forces along Gaza border were reinforced with additional units after evaluation of the security situation in the area.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the military raised preparedness of its forces in anticipation of rocket fire from the Palestinian territory.

On Saturday night, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes against Hamas positions in Gaza. The escalation came in the wake of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians who marked the 52nd anniversary of the burning of Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque along Gaza border.

At least 41 Palestinians were injured during the violence, while the Israeli army said one of its soldiers was shot and critically injured on Gaza border.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara