Palestinian Pilgrim Martyred by Zionist Regime

Palestinian sources said Sunday evening that Zionist regime's forces manning the Erez border crossing in northern Gaza opened fire at Palestinians returning after completing the annual haj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Palestinian medics said one woman was martyred and at least four more were injured. One woman is said to be in critical condition. Witnesses said troops first fired into the air and then at the crowd of pilgrims.

Palestinian officials said about 700 pilgrims had crossed back into Gaza on Sunday, having returned from Saudi Arabia via Jordan.

Hamas had demanded that Egypt reopen the Rafah crossing to allow the pilgrims to pass directly into the coastal territory rather than force them to pass through Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing.