Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Palestinians and IDF clash during Gaza protests Oct. 3 /update 23

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops killed at least one Palestinian protester and wounded 24 others in a protest in the Gaza Strip along the Israel-Gaza border on Wednesday, October 3. Around 1000 Palestinians reportedly participated in the protest, which took place near the Erez Crossing; some threw rocks and other objects at Israeli troops, who responded by firing teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition at the protesters. Similar Palestinian protests and clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli 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." More than 190 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.