PT, Israel: Further cross-border violence is possible in Gaza and southern Israel following incidents Aug. 21 and early Aug. 22 /update 1

Event

Further cross-border violence near the Gaza Israel border is possible in the coming days following unrest Aug. 21 and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes overnight Aug. 21/22. Palestinian factions in Gaza, including Hamas, called for protests, Aug. 21 to commemorate a 1969 act of arson at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Subsequent gatherings were reported in the northern part of Gaza. During the protests, Israeli security forces fired on protesters injuring at least 41 people. A border security soldier was also injured by gunfire prompting the IDF to conduct airstrikes against four Hamas positions in Gaza. It is not clear if the airstrikes resulted in casualties.

Further protests in Gaza near the shared border are possible in the coming days. Gaza-based militants may also seek to fire rockets and mortars into southern Israel in response to the recent airstrikes or during future periods of escalation. Any unrest near the border could lead the IDF to conduct further retaliatory airstrikes. Incidents of violence and unrest could also be triggered elsewhere in response to developments in Gaza, including in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, or along the shared Israel Lebanon border. Disruptions to ground movement are likely near all protest areas and security force concentrations.

Advice

Monitor local media and abide by security force directives. If possible, avoid areas near the Gaza buffer zone until the security situation improves. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported in southern Israel, or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions by authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement.

Individuals or entities operating in the Gaza Strip are advised to avoid known Hamas positions, which are common targets for Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. Avoid all public gatherings and do not approach the shared border. Establish a thorough communication plan to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Resources

Israel Defense Forces (Twitter)