Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF conducts further airstrikes in Gaza August 16 /update 7

Event

Following airstrikes throughout the week by Israeli forces in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted further strikes targeting Hamas positions on Sunday, August 16. Israel also closed the strip's offshore fishing zone on Sunday as a further response to unrest on the border fence and incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel from the enclave into Israel in recent days. Palestinians renewed night time agitation along the border fence on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, with reports of explosive devices, and other projectiles being fired at security forces. IDF soldiers also thwarted an attempt to throw a Molotov cocktail towards worshippers at Rachel's Tomb in the West Bank on Sunday. The National Fire and Rescue Authority reported that 28 fires broke out in southern Israel on Sunday due to incendiary balloon devices, taking the total number of fires caused by such activity in the last few weeks to 149. Two rockets fired from Gaza were also reportedly intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system early Sunday. In response Israeli forces have struck several more Hamas targets on Sunday, including a military compound and underground infrastructure. There have been no immediate reports of casualties following Sunday's strikes.

Continued low-level militancy and agitation coming from the Gaza side of the border is likely to be met with strong retaliation from Israel, including further airstrikes, over the near term.

Context

The clashes come amidst a period of rising tension between Hamas and Israel, as negotiations between the two sides have allegedly stalled. On August 8, a Hamas official reportedly stated that the group would resume their balloon bomb campaign in order to exercise pressure on the Israeli government, and threatened rocket fire into Israel should the situation continue. Hundreds of balloons have been launched into Israel in the past week and airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure has been the standard response by Israel. On Friday, August 14, three people were wounded in central Gaza as a result of Israeli airstrikes. Israeli authorities have warned that further attacks would draw an increasingly harsh response.

Advice

Those in the Gaza Strip and areas of Israel bordering the territory are advised to monitor developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip.