03 Sep 2021 | 10:04 AM UTC
Israel, PT: Anti-Israel protests likely to persist in Gaza and possibly in West Bank through early September
Anti-Israel unrest is likely to persist near shared Gaza-Israel border through early September. Related protests possible in West Bank.
Event
Anti-Israel protests are likely to persist near the shared border with Israel in Gaza and are possible in parts of the West Bank through early September. Hamas and other Gaza-based factions have called for demonstrations against the Israeli blockade of Gaza, specifically for a full lifting of restrictions. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are likely to maintain a heightened security posture near the shared border with Gaza and will continue to deploy to all protest sites that materialize.
There is a heightened threat of violence at all related protests. Since late August, Israeli security forces have engaged protesters along the shared Gaza-Israel border on several occasions resulting in casualties. At least one person was killed and 15 injured in confrontations overnight, Sept. 2/3. Further confrontations and casualties are likely, particularly if demonstrators approach the border or Israeli security force positions. Related protests are also possible in the West Bank. Some have been reported in and near Beita in early September. Clashes between protesters and the security forces, either Israeli or Palestinian, are possible at all related gatherings in the West Bank.
Likewise, Gaza-based militants will likely continue to seek escalation by launching explosive-laden balloons into southern Israel. These incendiary balloons typically ignite fires. Militants could also fire rockets and mortars during periods of heightened tensions. The IDF is likely to respond to such launches and any significant protest escalation with airstrikes targeting militant, specifically Hamas, targets in the Gaza area. Incidents of unrest and security force deployments will continue to result in short-term localized ground travel disruptions.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security force personnel. Exercise heightened caution in Gaza or near the shared Gaza Israel border in the coming days. If possible, avoid areas within 5 km (3 miles) of 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. Consider avoiding nonessential travel near the Gaza buffer zone. Establish a thorough communication plan to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip.
