Israel/Palestinian Terr.: At least 32 wounded during Gaza protest Feb. 1 /update 43

Event

Around 10,000 Palestinians participated in a protest along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, February 1. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, at least 32 people were wounded during the demonstrations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IDF soldiers reportedly fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters. The demonstrations come a day after the US Agency for International Development (USAID) ended all aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. According to US officials, the decision to cut aid was linked to the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act (ATCA), which came into effect on Thursday, January 31.

Similar Palestinian protests, as well as clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces, are to be expected along the border fence in the coming weeks, particularly on Fridays.

Context

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Over 240 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in associated clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters. 

Advice

Individuals 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.