Israeli sets self ablaze in suspected Gaza protest

JERUSALEM - An Israeli woman set herself ablaze at a police checkpoint outside the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in what the Zaka rescue service called a protest at Israel's withdrawal from the territory.

Police confirmed the incident, saying the woman had suffered burns to 60 percent of her body and had been hospitalised. Police said they could not immediately comment on her motives.

Thousands of opponents of the withdrawal from Gaza have descended on the area outside the occupied territory to try to obstruct operations by troops and police. Forced evacuations began on Wednesday.

- REUTERS