Israel/Palestinian Terr.: 55 Palestinians wounded amid protests on Gaza border September 13 /update 75

Event

Thousands of Palestinians protested along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, September 13, clashing with Israeli security forces. Protesters reportedly threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocks, and firebombs at Israeli soldiers, who responded by forcefully dispersing the demonstration. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that Israeli soldiers wounded 55 Palestinian demonstrators, including 29 by live ammunition.

This protest comes amid heightened tensions following a press conference held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 10 during which he vowed to annex the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea if re-elected to the premiership on Tuesday, September 17. Two rockets were launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip on September 10, following the announcement. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out retaliatory airstrikes on multiple Hamas positions in northern and central Gaza Strip  on September 11.

Similar protests and clashes are to be expected along the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming weeks.  

Context

Palestinians have staged weekly protests at the Gaza-Israel border fence since March 30, 2018. At least 308 Palestinians have been killed, including 15 on the first day of the demonstrations, and nearly 7000 have been wounded. 

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, 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.