Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Palestinian killed in Israeli-Gazan border protests May 10 /update 56

Event

Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian protester in demonstrations held along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, May 10, as protests associated with the "Great March of Return" movement continued. Some 6000 Palestinians reportedly took part in the border protests, with some throwing stones at Israeli soldiers; an Israeli military official indicated that Israeli forces deployed tear gas and fired live rounds during the protests. Gaza's health ministry reports more than 30 protesters were injured in the clashes. 

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

Context

Palestinians have staged weekly protests at the Israeli-Gazan border fence since March 30, 2018. Over 260 Palestinians have been killed, including 15 on the first day of demonstrations, and nearly 7000 have been wounded.

The latest demonstrations come days following violent clashes between Israel and Gazan militants. At least four Israelis and 23 Palestinians were killed in the recent bout of fighting, which began on May 3 and ended with a ceasefire on May 6. Gazan militants reportedly fired at least 600 rockets into southern Israel and hundreds of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes were launched between May 3-6.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. 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.