For 7th Friday in row, Gazans clash with Israeli troops

The clashes come amid ongoing protests against last month’s decision by the U.S. to recognize al-Qods as Israel’s capital.

Friday’s clashes occurred mainly near the Gaza-Israel border to the east of Gaza’s city of Khan Yunis.

Dozens of Palestinian youths threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed on the other side of the border, while the latter responded with teargas, rubber bullets and live ammunition.

Palestinian political factions this week renewed calls to organize rallies across the West Bank and Gaza to condemn Washington’s controversial Jerusalem move.

On Dec. 6, U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognized al-Qods as Israel’s capital, sparking a wave of protests across the Palestinian territories that has left at least 16 Palestinians dead to date.

al-Qods remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that the entire city -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.