Unknown fireworks fire leaves two dead in Gaza

Two Palestinians died and six others were injured in Gaza on Saturday when a blast went off in a fireworks factory, causing a fire, health and security officials said. 

Police in the Hamas-ruled territory have opened an investigation into the incident in the Shujaiya neighbourhood east of Gaza City.

Of the six injured, three were in critical condition and three others had moderate injuries, Gaza's health ministry said.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.

At least 145 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers since protests broke out along the Gaza border on 30 March.

No Israelis have been killed.

Dubbed the "Great Return March", the demonstrations have centred on a demand for the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, after they were expelled following the 1948 creation of Israel.

They are also calling for an end to the decade-long blockade of the Palestinian enclave, which has crippled civilian life in Gaza.

Earlier in the month, the UN General Assembly adopted, by a strong majority, an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for the killing of protesters.

The resolution condemned Israel's use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinians and called for protection measures for civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.