"The latest crimes committed by the blood-shedding Zionist regime which murdered the Palestinians attending the Return Day demonstration revealed, once again, the savage and criminal face of a child-killing government to the world,” Velayati, who also heads strategic research center of Iranian expediency council, said.
At least 17 Palestinians lost their lives and more than 1,400 others sustained injuries when Israeli military forces opened fire on thousands of protesters who had flocked to a sit-in near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Dubbed “The Great March of Return,” Friday’s rallies in Gaza coincided with the 42nd anniversary of Land Day, which commemorates the murder of six Palestinians by Israeli forces in 1976.
The Return rallies will culminate on May 15 that marks Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe) when Israel was created.