Israel calls for its farmers to keep clear of Gaza border areas

After an exchange of fire, Israeli forces asked Israeli farmers to remain distant from the borders with the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said that the call came after an Israeli car was shot at on Tuesday evening.

According to Israeli TV Channel 2, the source of the attack is not known and no casualties were reported.

The Israeli military has not issued a statement on the matter yet, but the Israeli army radio noted that Israeli forces had combed the area after the shooting.

Early on Tuesday, Israeli sources claimed that Palestinians used light weapons to respond to Israeli fire aimed at Palestinian farmers in Deir al-Balah City, central Gaza Strip.

Anadolu news agency reported witnesses saying that the Israeli troops stationed at the eastern borders of Deir al-Balah opened fire at Palestinian farmers working in their farms. No casualties were reported.

Regarding the Palestinian fire reported by the Israeli sources, Anadolu said that a few bullets were reportedly shot from the Palestinian side.

The Israeli military imposes a military buffer zone which ranges between 300 metres to 600 metres along the borders with the Gaza Strip. Palestinians who enter this area risk being shot at or arrested.

The ceasefire agreement reached between the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and Israel on August 26 stipulates that the Israeli buffer zone must be reduced. This pledge has not been fulfilled.