Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Suspected militants killed along Gaza border August 10 /update 1

Event

Suspected militants attempted to cross the southern Gaza border during the early morning hours (local time) of Saturday, August 10. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers engaged and killed four militants, who were reportedly armed with grenades, rifles, and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). One of the attackers threw a grenade at the IDF personnel but no injuries were reported. Similar attacks by Palestinian militants are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Cross-border gunfire is not uncommon between Palestinian militants and the IDF along the Gazan border. Rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have also 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 obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. 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