GAZA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian farmer was killed and another one was injured early Friday by an Israeli tank shell on eastern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medics said.

Gaza's Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al Qedra said 27-year-old Omar Samoor was killed, and another one was moderately injured when the Israeli fire hit east of al-Garara town east of Khan Younis.

Eyewitnesses said an Israeli tank opened fire at the two farmers who approached their farm to collect parsley.

The shelling came as the Palestinians were preparing to launch their Great March of Return scheduled to start Friday amid Israeli army presence on the borderline area with the Gaza Strip.