Tasnim � Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian man in the Gaza Strip as thousands took part Friday in the 44th March of Return protest along the border.

The Health Ministry Ehab Abed said, 25, was critically shot Friday in the chest along the fence east of the town of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip and died soon afterward, The Daily Star reported.

At least 22 other Palestinians were wounded by gunfire, including 14 minors, at several locations along the fence, it said.

The protesters burned tires and threw rocks toward the heavily guarded fence. Along with live fire, Israeli forces also fired tear gas.

At least 245 Palestinians have been killed in the marches, including two journalists and three medics, and thousands have been wounded.

Another Palestinian was killed Friday by Israeli soldiers in a separate incident in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.