Israeli soldiers 'kill 15-year-old Palestinian boy at border protest'

Teenager was shot in the stomach and later died from his injuries, Gaza's Health Ministry says

Palestinian mourners carry the body of Muadh al-Suri, aged 15, who was killed in clashes with Israeli forces the day before, during his funeral in Nuseirat camp, in central Gaza Strip, on August 4, 2018 (REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)

A 15-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli soldiers during a border protest, Gaza’s health ministry has said.

Muadh al-Suri died after he was shot in the stomach during clashes with the military in which a 25-year-old man also reportedly died and a dozens more were injured.

News of the teenager's death came as the Israeli military said it had intercepted an Swedish activist ship trying to breach a decade-long blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

Islamic militant group Hamas, has led months of border protests partially aimed at drawing attention to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after it took control of Gaza in 2007.

Most of the protesters were injured by snipers from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) during demonstrations near Gaza City and in Khan Younis, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The IDF said thousands of people took part in the protests at five sites along the border and it responded with live fire, in accordance with its policy.

When several Palestinians breached the border fence, throwing fire bombs and stones, the Israeli military shelled a Hamas post, it said.

Since the start of the so-called “March of Return” protests, 157 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Israel says the blockade in place in Gaza is needed to prevent the Hamas from importing weapons, while critics say it amounts to the heartless punishment of the strip's two million people.

United Nations and Egyptian-led efforts are under way to mediate a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas who have fought three wars since 2008.

Additional reporting by Reuters and Associated Press