Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Rocket fired from Gaza targets southern Israel January 31 /update 4

Event

Rocket sirens sounded in Sderot on the evening (local time) of Friday, January 31, as a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Some homes reportedly suffered light damage from falling shrapnel, but no injuries were reported. Rocket sirens also sounded in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and Kibbutz Sufa on Friday evening; the IDF is currently investigating the incident. This attack comes hours after the IDF conducted airstrikes in Gaza in retaliation for multiple cross border attacks on Thursday, January 30, and Friday.

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 after US President Donald Trump announced his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan on January 28. 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.