05 Feb 2020 | 12:31 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF carries out retaliatory strikes in Gaza February 5 /update 5
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conduct retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on February 5 after three rockets were reportedly fired across the border; further cross-border operations likely
Event
Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip were targeted in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes during the early morning hours (local time) of Wednesday, February 5. Several Hamas targets near Khan Younis were reportedly hit in the operation. The IDF said the strikes were in retaliation for rockets and explosive balloons being launched across the border into southern Israel. At least three rockets were fired shortly after 00:01 on Wednesday, causing alarms to be activated in Netivot. No damages or casualties were reported from the attack.
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.
