Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF strikes targets in Gaza August 15 /update 6

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip late on Saturday, August 15. The strikes were reportedly in response to earlier incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel from the strip, which caused dozens of fires. They also followed clashes between Palestinian protesters and security forces along the border fence on Saturday night (local time). Around 800 people reportedly took part in night time agitation along the border, which resumed after a lack of activity in recent months. Explosives were allegedly thrown at security forces, who opened fire with live ammunition on the protesters, wounding at least two.

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 Saturday, 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 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.