08 Dec 2019 | 09:25 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF launches retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza December 8 /update 16
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launch retaliatory airstrikes targeting Hamas facilities in Gaza Strip on December 8 following earlier cross-border rocket attack; further cross-border attacks possible over the coming hours and days
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out several retaliatory airstrikes in northern areas of the Gaza Strip during the early morning hours (local time) of Sunday, December 8, following an overnight rocket attack in southern Israel. According to Hamas officials, the operation targeted two sites belonging to the Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Further cross-border fire is possible over the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours and days, including rockets fired by Palestinian militants toward and into Israel and retaliatory Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes on the Gaza Strip.
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.
