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Hamas declares ‘Day of Rage,’ IDF deploys troops to Gaza border

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Hamas has called for another “Day of Rage” today, just three days after a similar call resulted in extreme violence which killed three Israelis.

Hamas has called on Palestinians to march on Israeli checkpoints following Friday prayers. Israel Radio says that demonstrations, friction and potential violence is expected particularly at the Qalandiya checkpoint, Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem, the Judea and Samaria intersection near Ramallah and in Hebron, Tulkarm and Nablus. Meanwhile, Israel Police announced that men under the age of 40 will not be permitted entry to the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem today, for fear of further violence at the holy site which has been central to the current wave of attacks.

Meanwhile, Hamas’s “Day of Rage” call has also increased fears of confrontations on the Gaza border. Clashes have taken place there on an almost daily basis during the last week, with nine Palestinians killed by IDF fire last weekend. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinians temporarily breached the border fence on at least three occasions before being pushed back by IDF forces. During the last two days, the confrontations have involved dozens rather than hundreds of demonstrators.

However, Ynet says that Israel fears increased violence at the Gaza border today and since Wednesday the IDF has deployed extra troops in the region, including infantry from the Paratroopers and Golani Brigades. They have gathered at assembly areas and yesterday established a presence in three Israeli border towns, Netiv HaAsara, Nahal Oz, and Kerem Shalom.

Hamas’s political leader in Gaza, Ismael Haniyeh said that “Gaza, despite the distance and its deep suffering due to the siege and war, still stands behind the battle of Jerusalem, and that Gaza is in the heart of Jerusalem’s Intifada.” However, Ynet reports that the IDF says it has the situation under control.