05 Jul 2020 | 09:20 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Militants from Gaza fire three rockets into southern border region July 5
Palestinian militants fire three rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory on July 5; retaliatory strikes expected in the coming hours
Event
Israeli military sources reported that Palestinian militants fired three rockets from the Gaza Strip across the border into Israeli territory on Sunday, July 5. Two of the projectiles reportedly landed in open fields in southern Israel and one was intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. No casualties were reported in the attacks and no specific group has claimed responsibility for them. Israel generally responds to such cross-border attacks by targeting military positions of the militant group Hamas in Gaza, and there have already been unconfirmed reports of explosions in the strip.
Israeli strikes in Gaza are anticipated in the coming hours in response to the rocket fire. Further cross-border attacks are possible in the coming days and a heightened security presence is anticipated along the Gaza border.
Context
Tensions in Israel and the Palestinian Territories have increased in recent weeks as Israel prepares to annex areas in the West Bank and Jordan Valley in line with US President Donald Trump's January 2020 "Deal of the Century" Middle East peace plan. The plan has been widely criticized by Palestinians and frequent protests have been held to condemn it. On June 25, Hamas warned that Israel's annexation plan amounted to a declaration of war.
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.
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.
