36 injured, including journalists, in weekly Gaza protests

Israeli forces injured Friday at least 36 people, including two journalists and a paramedic, during weekly demonstrations in the Gaza Strip, medics said, noting four people were in critical condition.

The demonstrations take place near the fence dividing Gaza from Israel.

This is the seventh week of the protests, which are demanding the right for Palestinian refugees of the 1948 regional war to return to their homes in what is now Israel.

At least 53 Palestinians were killed in the protests over the past weeks, including two journalists, while 1,900 were injured by Israeli fire.

The two journalists and the paramedic injured in the latest demonstrations were hit in the legs directly by tear gas cannisters. One of the journalists is a photographer who works for dpa.

Medics also said a 16-year-old boy was hit in the head by live ammunition, leaving him in critical condition.

Most of the deaths come as the Israeli army fires upon Palestinians who approach the border fence.

Human rights organizations say the army's use of force is disproportionate to the Palestinians.