Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israeli troops kill one Palestinian in Hebron (West Bank) February 5 /update 5

Event

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shot and killed a Palestinian protester who threw a Molotov cocktail at Israeli troops in Hebron (West Bank) on Wednesday, February 5, according to IDF officials. Palestinian protesters reportedly also threw rocks at IDF troops during the protest denouncing US President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Further such incidents, as well as a heightened security presence are expected in the West Bank over the near term.

Context

Palestinian and Israeli security forces have a cooperation in policing areas of the West Bank, where some areas are under Palestinian Authority control and others under Israeli control.

Media reports indicate that dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on January 29, amid clashes with Israeli security forces during related protests. Accounts indicate that two people were injured by live ammunition rounds, while others sustained injuries due to tear gas. Security forces reportedly blocked protesters from accessing the Jordan Valley, which prompted the confrontation. Gazans observed a general strike on January 29 called by the Follow-up Committee of the National and Islamic Forces, which prompted business and school closures.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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.