JERUSALEM, March 30 (Xinhua) -- About 17,000 Palestinians gathered in five main locations throughout the Gaza Strip at the border to take part in the "March of Return," said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday in a statement.

The Israeli army said that Palestinians burned tires and hurled stones at the security fence and at the IDF troops. Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed that they responded with riot dispersal means and fired towards "main instigators."

Palestinian sources said that three Palestinians were killed and more than 100 wounded by the IDF fires during the protests along the border.

The IDF has enforced a closed military zone in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip in accordance with situation assessments, and all activity in the area requires military consent, said the IDF.

But the Israeli army added that there are no special instructions for Israeli citizens throughout the Home Front.

With a reinforcement of troops, the IDF is prepared to respond to the violent riots planned throughout the Gaza Strip if needed, the Israeli army noted.

The IDF views with great severity any breach of Israeli sovereignty or damage to the security fence, said the Israeli army, adding that Hamas is responsible for the violent riots and everything taking places under its auspices.

The Hamas said that the march will last for weeks advocating for the return of Palestinian refugees to Israel.