Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Hamas rocket barrage, Israeli airstrikes kill two Nov. 12 /update 1

Event

Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed two Palestinians and wounded five more on Monday, November 12, as Hamas fired dozens of rockets and mortars into Israel. The sharp increase in violence is due to continued retaliatory attacks following a deadly Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raid on Sunday, November 11. Hamas responded to the incursions with a barrage of rockets and mortars throughout Monday. The IDF reported that 80 rockets were launched from Gaza as of 17:45 (local time), including "several" that were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. One Israeli citizen was wounded by a rocket and schools and businesses reportedly closed in southern Israel. In response to the rocket attacks, Israeli fighter jets bombed positions in Deit al-Balah and Beit Lahia, killing two Palestinians and wounding five more. Further airstrikes and rocket attacks, along with disruptions to schools, business, and transportation, are likely in the coming days.

Context

The violence on Monday follows an IDF special forces raid and airstrike that killed seven Palestinians, including one Hamas commander, and left an IDF lieutenant colonel dead. The attacks occur despite ongoing attempts at peace talks between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinian protesters have rallied weekly at the Gazan-Israeli border since late March in a movement called the "Great March of Return." At least 220 Palestinians have been killed during protests since March.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and be prepared to seek shelter in the event of an airstrike or rocket attack. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the West Bank, Gaza, and border areas of Israel.