Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Cross-border fire August 20 (Gaza)

Event

Cross-border fire between the Gaza Strip and Israel was reported on the morning of Monday, August 20 (local time). According to the Israeli army, a Palestinian militant opened fire on Israeli soldiers, drawing return fire. No Israelis were injured in the incident. Further such violence is possible in the coming hours or days. 

The clash follows a weekend of border violence, which led to Israel closing the Erez crossing until further notice.

Context

The violence comes amid attempts by the UN and Egypt to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist movement that has governed Gaza since 2007. The two parties have been involved in three wars since 2008 and tensions have spiked since March 30, 2018, leading to fears of another all-out conflict.

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence weekly since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." More than 160 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier have been killed in border clashes since the protests began.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised 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 travel to the Palestinian Territories and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.