Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Confrontations continue in Gaza April 18 /update 14

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) artillery fire wounded five Palestinians east of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday, April 18 (local time). The IDF claimed that it had targeted five Palestinians approaching the border barrier, and that one was armed; an undisclosed IDF source reportedly said that the men had attempted to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) along the border barrier but were foiled by IDF troops. According to Gazan health officials, the five men were wounded while at a base of the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.

Israeli Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman had previously warned that the IDF may use lethal force against Palestinian protesters who demonstrate near the border fence. Continuing Palestinian protests, clashes between Palestinian protesters and IDF troops, and associated casualties are expected along the Israel-Gaza border in the coming days and weeks as the six-week tent city protests are scheduled to continue until May 15.

Context

Large-scale Palestinian demonstrations have recently taken place in the Gaza Strip as part of a six-week tent city protest along the Israel-Gaza border. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others injured in clashes with IDF personnel since the protests began on March 30. Smaller related protests have taken place in the West Bank.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all protests or other public gatherings due to the high risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.