Ten killed as Israel shells Rafah protesters

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and 50 wounded when Israeli forces shelled a solidarity march near the Gaza city of Rafah yesterday. Doctors who treated dozens of victims on blood-drenched hospital floors said most of the casualties were children.

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and 50 wounded when Israeli forces shelled a solidarity march near the Gaza city of Rafah yesterday. Doctors who treated dozens of victims on blood-drenched hospital floors said most of the casualties were children.

Several thousand Palestinians had marched from Rafah to the nearby refugee camp, where Israeli troops have been searching houses for weapons and gunmen since Tuesday.

An Israeli helicopter flew over, firing flares toward the marchers as machinegun fire was heard. Moments later, an explosion was heard in the crowd. Among six of the identified dead last night were four children, ranging in age from nine to 14.