26 Aug 2019 | 12:52 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF launches retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza August 26 /update 70
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launch retaliatory airstrikes targeting Hamas facilities in northern Gaza Strip on August 26 following earlier cross-border rocket attack
Event
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out several retaliatory airstrikes in northern areas of the Gaza Strip during the early morning hours (local time) of Monday, August 26, following an overnight rocket attack in southern Israel. According to the IDF, the operation targeted a Hamas military compound as well as the office of a battalion commander. As of 03:45 (local time) it is unclear if the strikes resulted in any casualties.
Additional Palestinian rocket launches from the Gaza Strip targeting Israel are possible over the coming hours and days, as well as retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
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 in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack.
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.
