Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Gaza Ministry: Palestinian Dies from Wounds in Border Unrest

by Agence France-Presse

   GAZA CITY, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES --

   A Palestinian shot last month during protests on the Israel-Gaza border
   has succumbed to his wounds, the health ministry in the Gaza Strip said
   on Thursday.

   Ahmad al-Najar, 21, was shot by Israeli fire east of Khan Yunis and was
   later transferred to the occupied West Bank for treatment, a health
   ministry spokesman said in a statement.

   He died on Wednesday, the spokesman added.

   At least 219 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since months
   of often violent border protests began in March, according to an AFP
   tally.

   One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

   Recent days have seen progress towards an agreement whereby Gaza's
   Islamist rulers Hamas would stop the protests in return for an easing
   of Israel's blockade of the coastal enclave.