Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF kill at least two in Gaza protests August 17 /update 13

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed at least two Palestinians and wounded over 240 others in protests along the Israel-Gaza border on Friday, August 17. Over 40 of the wounded people were reportedly hit by live fire. According to the IDF, approximately 4000 people participated in protests in five locations along the Gaza border fence. Protesters reportedly set tires on fire, threw rocks at Israeli security personnel, and flew burning kites into Israel, while the IDF responded with tear gas and live fire. Hamas has called on Palestinians to continue attending border protests. Continued protests are expected along the Israel-Gaza border in the coming weeks.

Context

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 all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.