Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF launches retaliatory strikes on Gaza March 15 /update 1

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip early (local time) on Friday, March 15, after suspected militants fired two rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, March 14. Rocket sirens blared and the Iron Dome missile defense system was activated over Tel Aviv amid the Thursday night attack; while the Israeli military clarified that neither rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome, no casualties or damages were immediately reported. Normal traffic and activity resumed in Tel Aviv shortly following the missile alert. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) denied responsibility for the missile attack.

IDF officials said that the military responded early Friday by launching retaliatory strikes on "terror targets" in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources claimed Israeli attacks targeted sites in the northern Gaza Strip and near Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

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

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.