Israeli forces kill four Palestinian protesters in Gaza

GAZA CITY - Israeli forces shot and killed four Palestinians and wounded at least 50 during protests along the fence separating Gaza on Friday, local medical officials said.

An Israeli military spokesman said some 10,000 Palestinians had congregated along the Gaza fence and were hurling rocks and other missiles at troops who responded with "riot dispersal means" and live fire when needed.

Palestinians have been protesting along the fence since March 30, demanding an end to Israel's blockade of the territory and the right to return to lands from which Palestinians were driven when Israel was founded in 1948 by European Jewish settlers.

Since the protests began, 212 Gazans have been killed by Israeli troops, according to Palestinian Health Ministry figures. In that time one Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

Egyptian security officials have been in the last two weeks been talking to Israeli leaders and officials of Hamas, which runs Gaza, and other factions in an attempt to restore calm.