30 Jan 2020 | 05:27 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF airstrikes conducted in Gaza January 29 /update 2
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducts airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in Gaza on January 29 following rocket attack; further cross border strikes possible
Event
On the night (local time) of Wednesday, January 29, suspected Palestinian militants fired a mortar round into southern Israel. According to military sources, the round landed in an open field and caused no damage. Multiple incendiary balloons were also launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel on Wednesday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted multiple retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip following the attack. Hamas positions, including a weapons manufacturing site, in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah city were targeted in the operation.
Further cross-border fire is possible along the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours and days, including rockets fired by Palestinian militants toward and into Israel and retaliatory IDF strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Context
The attacks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Hundreds of Palestinians participated in rallies to protest the plan in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on January 28.
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 shelter immediately 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.
