19 Sep 2019 | 03:39 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Rocket sirens heard in Israeli communities near Gaza Strip September 19 /update 76
Rocket sirens heard in Israeli communities near Gaza Strip September 19, with no casualties or damages immediately reported; further cross-border fire possible across Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours
Event
Rocket sirens have been heard in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip as of 18:18 (local time) on Thursday, September 19. Sirens reportedly blared in Mefalsim, Nir Am, Erez, Gabim, Sderot, and Ibim, presumably due to rockets fired from the Gaza Strip; no casualties or damages were immediately reported.
Further cross-border fire is possible across the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours and days.
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.
