The Israeli army has been bolstering security measures and doubled its military presence in the Gaza Strip ahead of the major protests. Some 17,000 Palestinians, according to the IDF, marched towards the border with Israel to demand their right to return to the territories they claim were illegally seized by Israel, while Israeli authorities say that Palestinians can settle only in Gaza and the West Bank.
READ MORE: Israeli Army Uses Tear Gas Against Palestinian Protesters: 7 Dead, Hundreds Hurt
According to officials, at least 7 Palestinians have been killed and about 500 wounded by the rubber-coated steel pellets and tear gas used in the mass protests