Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Palestinian killed, 42 wounded in Gaza protests Mar. 8 /update 49

Event

Israeli troops killed at least one Palestinian and wounded 42 others along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, March 8, in what marked the 50th consecutive week of Friday demonstrations as part of the "Great March of Return" movement. Over 8000 Palestinians participated in the protests; demonstrators threw rocks and explosive devices at Israeli troops who, in turn, "responded with riot dispersal means," according to an Israeli military spokesman.

Heightened tensions, demonstrations, and clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians are to be expected along the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming weeks.

Context

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30, 2018, in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Over 220 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.