Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Tensions escalate in the Gaza Strip October 17

Event

Israeli fighter jets attacked 20 sites, including Hamas targets, in the Gaza Strip - e.g. areas near Gaza City and in Khan Younis (south) - on Wednesday, October 17, in response to several rockets launched from the territory, including one that hit the southern Israeli city of Beersheva earlier that morning. The retaliatory attacks have reportedly left one Palestinian dead and eight others wounded. Amid escalating tensions, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced the closure of two border crossings (Erez and Kerem Shalom) between Israel and the Gaza Strip until further notice.

Context

Clashes occurred between Palestinians and Israeli security forces during a protest at the Israel-Gaza border on October 16, leaving 32 people wounded.

Palestinian protesters have been rallying 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 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.