Thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of ten civilians who were killed Thursday when a fire tore through al-Nuseirat Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Initial investigations said the fire was caused by a gas leak from a bakery inside the camp, which is considered one most populated areas in the world. It was followed by the explosion of several gas containers until the blaze spread to nearby houses, stores, facilities, and vehicles.
The deceased included six minors, two adult women, and two adult men. More than 58 residents were also injured, 22 of which were in critical condition, the Health Ministry said.
Meanwhile, the spread of coronavirus forced citizens to remain at their homes and refrain from participating in large gatherings, demonstrations, and marches.
They did not participate in the weekly marches and demonstrations, with the exception of Kafr Qaddum’s weekly march, which turned into bloody clashes with the occupation forces.
Two young men were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets and dozens got suffocated from the tear gas during the clashes. People were demanding the opening of the village’s main entrance, which has been closed for 16 years.
Coordinator of the Popular Resistance Committees in Kafr Qaddum Murad Shtaiwi said the Israeli occupation forces suppressed the march by using tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets, which led to the injury of the two young men.
The number of worshipers in al-Aqsa Mosque fell to less than half this week, as it reached about 20 thousand, while it exceeded 50 thousand in recent weeks.
The Israeli army also announced on Friday it would close the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank for four days during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
In a statement, an Israeli army spokesperson said the decision was taken “in accordance with security assessments and state guidance, a general close of the border crossings in the West Bank and Gaza areas will be closed.”
The restrictions would be in place from Saturday night and would be lifted on Wednesday night. Additionally, the Kerem Shalom crossing will only be closed on March 10.
