Israeli forces open fire against nonviolent demonstration in Gaza against loss of their most fertile farmland

Ma’an – Israeli forces on Tuesday dispersed a weekly protest against a military zone in northern Gaza, opening fire against Palestinians challenging the measure.

Demonstrators crossed into the no-go zone, near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, and soldiers fired toward the demonstrators, activists said. One woman suffered light injuries after falling.

Saber Az-Za’aneen, the organizer of the once-regular marches toward the area, said the demonstrations had paused for about two months due to the security situation but were being held again.

The effort seeks to discredit claims that Gaza is no longer occupied. Protesters say the area contained in the exclusion zone blocks farmers from some of the most fertile land in the coastal enclave.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said the crowd was dispersed by warning shots.

About 10 people arrived in the area and they left when soldiers fired in the air, she said.