Israeli security forces shot dead a Palestinian protester in the Gaza Strip on Friday during annual protests against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The demonstrations commemorated "Land Day," held every March 30 to mark the day six Israeli Arabs were killed by Israeli police in 1976 during protests against Israeli land expansion into Galilee.

As protesters in Gaza began marching toward the Israeli border, security forces used rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades to hold the mostly young group back, later resorting to using live fire. A 20-year-old man was killed and at least 37 others were wounded, medics said.

Disputed territories

Palestinians and Israeli Arabs use the occasion to protest against Israel's land policy, which they say is discriminatory.

Movement in Israeli-occupied territories is restricted, with Palestinians barred from entering Israel except for humanitarian or emergency medical reasons.

Demonstrations took place in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as annexed areas of east Jerusalem. Palestinians and supporters in neighboring countries also planned to march toward the Israeli border, prompting Israel to increase the security presence on the frontiers with Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, but no such protests were reported.

Organizers of the protests had said the marches would be nonviolent, but similar demonstrations have been known to turn deadly in the past. Last May, protests on the day marking Israel's creation in 1948 turned violent when protesters from Syria and Lebanon tried to cross the border and were fired upon by Israeli troops. At least 15 people were killed.

In addition to restrictions on movement for Palestinians, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's Old City was closed to certain worshippers. Local Palestinian men under the age of 40 will not allowed to be enter the mosque. Women have not been restricted, nor have Israeli Arabs. The mosque is often a flashpoint for violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

acb, mz/msh (AFP, AP)