Two Palestinians, including one with 'special needs', killed by Israeli forces during Gaza protests

Ahmad Abu Aqel, 25, died of bullet wounds sustained east of Jabaliya, the health ministry in Gaza said.

Graphic images on social media show that he was shot in the head.

Security sources in Gaza said Abu Aqel, who reportedly has special needs, was standing near a group of people setting fire to tyres near the border with Israel.

The Israeli army said it was looking into the incident.

The second man was identified as Ahmad Rashad al-Athamneh, 24.

The latest deaths bring the number of Gazans killed by Israeli forces in demonstrations since 30 March to 36, according to Gaza's health ministry. 

Thousands of Gazans were gathered on Friday at various locations along the border in the blockaded enclave, calling for Palestinian refugees to be able to return to their former lands in what is now Israel.

Earlier, Israeli military aircraft had dropped leaflets urging Palestinians to stay away from the border fence.

Israel has faced international criticism for its response to the mass marches. Rights groups have branded open-fire orders as unlawful, saying they effectively permit soldiers to use potentially lethal force against unarmed protesters.

The protests are to continue at least until 15 May, the anniversary of Israel's 1948 creation. Palestinians mark the day as their "Nakba," or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands fled or were driven from their homes during Israel's establishment.

Gaza residents typically get fewer than five hours of electricity per day, while unemployment has soared above 40 percent.