Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Beach protest escalates September 10

Event

Clashes erupted between Israeli security forces and protesters after thousands of Palestinians gathered on a beach in the Gaza Strip on Monday, September 10. Local sources reported that the protesters rolled burning tires at soldiers, who responded by opening fire, resulting in at least ten wounded. Further such protests and associated violence are likely in the coming days and weeks in Gaza.

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 170 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier have been killed in border clashes since the protests began. On September 5, the Israeli Defense Forces announced it had closed the Erez border crossing due to violent clashes between Israeli authorities and Palestinian protesters.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence. 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.