A Palestinian died Tuesday four days after being hit by a tear gas canister fired by Israeli occupation troops during clashes along the Gaza border, the health ministry in the strip said.

Samir al-Nabaheen, 47, was hit in the face by a tear gas canister Friday during protests east of al-Bureij in central Gaza, the ministry said.

Palestinians have for nearly a year gathered every Friday in various spots along the Gaza border for protests aimed at challenging the Zionist blockade on the Strip and demanding return to their occupied lands.

Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire east of Rafah in southern Gaza on Friday, the ministry said.

Since they began last March at least 246 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, the majority during border protests but also by tank fire and airstrikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in the same period.

Zionist navy opens fire at Palestinian protest flotilla in northern Gaza, injuring eight protestors.

Source: AFP