Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated near the Israel-Gaza Strip border Tuesday as part of the Hamas-orchestrated Nakba Day march, marking the "catastrophe" of Palestinian displacement during Israel's 1948 War of Independence.
The "March of Return" campaign staged by the terrorist group that rules Gaza, which included escalating riots near the security fence since March 30, was designed to peak on Nakba Day.
Hamas has openly declared that one of its goals for Tuesday's demonstrations was a mass rush of the security fence, as any success in doing so would be a huge psychological victory for the Palestinians.
The Israeli military said any attempt to breach the border would meet a forceful response.
Security forces were on high alert in the Gaza sector Tuesday. The military has deployed massive forces near the border, including special forces, snipers, and sappers, in what has been described as the largest deployment in the area since Operation Protective Edge in 2014.
Defense officials said they expected violent protests in the West Bank as well.
Channel 12 reported Tuesday that indirect behind-the-scenes efforts were underway between Israel and Hamas to defuse the highly volatile situation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a security situation assessment on Monday night, with Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and top defense officials.
Netanyahu praised security forces "for their determination in protecting Israel's border," and reiterated that Israel has the right to self-defense and the protection of its borders.
