Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Reopening of Erez border crossing Sep. 13

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reopened the Erez border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel on Thursday, September 13. The passage had been closed since September 5 following clashes that broke out between Israel authorities and Palestinian protesters the day prior.

Context

The September 4 clashes occurred following an announcement by the US that it would end all funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on August 31. On a related note, 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.

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