Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF airstrikes continue in Gaza March 15 /update 2

Event

Airstrikes continue to be reported throughout the Gaza Strip as of the morning (local time) of Friday, March 15. According to media reports, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) aircraft have conducted around 30 strikes targeting Hamas positions throughout the area, including in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City. Gazan security officials said that the strikes have caused significant damage. It is unclear if there are any casualties from the operations.

Additional attacks launched from the Gaza Strip targeting Israel are possible over the coming hours, as well as Israeli military reprisals on suspected Gazan militant installations.

Context

The IDF launched retaliatory airstrikes after two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip toward Tel Aviv on the evening of Thursday, March 14. This is the first time that Tel Aviv has been targeted since 2014. No damages or casualties were reported from the attack. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) denied responsibility for the missile attack.

In general, rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have intensified since early December 2017. Hundreds of rockets and mortars have been fired from the Gaza Strip, often followed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack.

Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. 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.