06 Feb 2020 | 03:52 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Hamas positions in Gaza targeted February 5 /update 6
Israeli jets target Hamas positions in Gaza Strip on February 5 after two mortar rounds were fired into southern Israel; further cross-border operations likely
Event
Palestinian militants fired two mortar rounds into southern Israel on the night (local time) of Wednesday, February 5. While the rounds impacted in an unpopulated area, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted retaliatory airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip later on Wednesday night. According to initial reports, no casualties were reported from the strikes, while some homes were reportedly damaged.
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.
