07 Mar 2019 | 09:58 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Palestinian killed in Gaza protests March 7 /update 48
Palestinian killed in Israeli-Gazan border protest March 6-7; similar protests expected over the coming weeks
Event
A Palestinian teenager has been killed by Israeli live fire overnight March 6-7 during clashes at the Gaza border between Palestinian protesters and Israel Defense forces (IDF). According to the Israel Defense Forces, demonstrators' attempts to hurl explosive devices at Israeli troops forced them to retaliate, killing the teenager in the process. Moreover, according to Palestinian security services, Israel Defense Forces bombed a Hamas building in southern Gaza, causing significant material damage.
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.