Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Clashes on Israeli-Gazan border kill one on Nov. 16 /update 32

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops clashed with Palestinian protesters during the latest iteration of weekly protests in the Gaza Strip along the Israel-Gaza border, on Friday, November 16. According to reports, an estimated 8000 protesters participated in the demonstration. At least 40 Palestinian protesters were wounded, including 18 injured by live munitions. Local reports also claim Israeli forces killed one Palestinian journalist. Demonstrators called on Gazan representatives to reject the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel and to continue protests to "break" the blockade on Gaza. Despite the ceasefire efforts, continuing Palestinian protests and associated clashes with Israeli troops are to be expected over 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." Israel and groups operating in Gaza, including Hamas, reportedly agreed to a ceasefire on November 13 following days of cross-border rocket attacks and retaliatory airstrikes, the most intense exchange since the 2014 Gaza war. On November 15, Egyptian officials traveled to Gaza in an attempt to broker a long-term ceasefire agreement as some Israeli officials have increased calls for a zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border clashes.

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.