Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas have offered to pay $3,000 to the family of any Palestinian killed by Israeli troops along the border, ahead of new expected protests. In a statement, the group said it would support the "family of each martyr" with $3,000, while those seriously wounded would receive $500. The payments were being provided "in light of the difficult economic conditions experienced by our people in the Gaza Strip as a result of the continued Israeli siege". A protest by tens of thousands near the Gaza border last Friday led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 18 Palestinians. Another mass protest is expected on Friday.