Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Clashes in Gaza leave 32 Palestinians wounded Oct. 15 /update 26

Event

Clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the beach in the Gaza Strip, near the Israel-Gaza border, on Monday, October 15. At least 32 Palestinians were wounded during the protests; Palestinian demonstrators reportedly hurled burning tires over the Gaza border fence, with Israeli troops firing teargas and live ammunition at protesters in response. Similar Palestinian protests and clashes between demonstrators and IDF troops are to be expected along the Israel-Gaza border in the coming weeks.

Context

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Around 200 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 all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.