Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Gaza border protests expected amid ceasefire August 10 /update 10

Event

Palestinians are expected to resume weekly protests along the Gaza Strip border with Israel on Friday, August 10, amid a ceasefire declared the day prior between Hamas and Israel following two days of violence. Border protests have been known to become violent and further cross-border fire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian fighters in Gaza is possible in the coming hours. Continuing Palestinian protests are expected along the Israel-Gaza border in the coming weeks.

Context

The ceasefire came after intense exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in Gaza August 8-9. Palestinian fighters reportedly fired more than 180 rockets and mortars at Israel, with the IDF targeting over 150 suspected Hamas positions in retaliatory airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. At least seven Israelis were wounded and three Palestinians were killed in the cross-border fighting.

This most recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict comes after a senior Hamas representative said on August 8 that UN- and Egyptian-brokered negotiations between Israel and Hamas were in "advanced stages." The negotiations have reportedly been aimed at easing tensions along the Israel-Gaza border and avoiding an all-out confrontation.

In general, rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have intensified since early December 2017.

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.