Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Around 1100 wounded in Gaza protests May 4 /update 17

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wounded at least 1100 Palestinians, including 82 with live ammunition, as large demonstrations continued for the sixth consecutive Friday at several locations along the Israel-Gaza border on Friday, May 4. Around 10,000 Palestinians reportedly participated in Friday's protests, with some attempting to cross the border barrier, burning tires, hurling stones, and flying burning objects at IDF personnel using kites. IDF troops reportedly responded with tear gas and live ammunition.

On April 20, the IDF dropped leaflets in Gaza warning Palestinians to avoid engaging in violent acts against Israeli forces and to not approach the border barrier during the protests. 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 wounded 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.