06 Aug 2022 | 07:36 PM UTC
Israel, Gaza: IDF continues to conduct airstrikes targeting militants in the Gaza Strip amid persistent rocket attacks from the enclave as of Aug. 6 /update 3
Persistent rocket attacks from Gaza Strip continue to target Israeli cities and communities as of Aug. 6. Further violence almost certain.
Event
The conflict between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) continues as of Aug. 6. The PIJ has launched over 350 rockets targeting Israeli communities and cities. According to Israeli authorities, two soldiers and one civilian have been injured as a result of the rocket attacks. Palestinian authorities have stated that the Israeli airstrikes against the PIJ have killed 15 people and wounded dozens of others in the Palestinian enclave. Bomb sirens have frequently been activated across Israeli communities in southern and central regions and in major cities, including Tel Aviv.
The ongoing conflict has prompted the IDF to introduce a series of precautionary measures. Schools have been canceled, and no more than 10 people are allowed to assemble in public and 50 indoors. Authorities have also closed beaches in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Palmachim, and Nitzanim. The National Emergency Authority of the Defense Ministry has activated the "Civilian Safe Distance" plan, which enables regional authorities to evacuate residents of any area if they wish to do so. Additionally, the IDF has placed Iron Dome batteries in Jerusalem, Be'er Sheva, and several other areas, to defend against potential PIJ rocket attacks against Israel. The government has also activated the country's reserve forces. Residents within 80 km (50 miles) of the Israel-Gaza border remain on high alert due to the risk of projectile fire from the Gaza Strip.
Rocket attacks will likely prompt further precautionary measures, such as evacuations, in targeted areas of Israel and retaliatory strikes by the IDF. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely for the duration of the security measures. Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip will almost certainly spark civil unrest in Israel and the West Bank; communal violence between Israeli Jews and Arabs cannot be ruled out.
Context
The IDF was ordered to enter "emergency mode" after conducting a series of airstrikes against PIJ military bases in the Gaza Strip on Aug. 5. The IDF, which launched Operation Breaking Dawn in anticipation of violence with the PIJ, plans to continue targeting militant groups in the Palestinian enclave. According to IDF sources, Israeli airstrikes have killed 15 militants, including Tayseer Jabari, a prominent PIJ leader who served as the commander of the Al-Quds Brigades.
The trigger for the ongoing tensions was the IDF's arrest of Bassem al-Saadi - one of the PIJ's senior leaders - in the West Bank's city of Jenin on Aug. 1. The PIJ has been threatening to attack Israeli communities over al-Saadi's detention, prompting the IDF to implement several security measures, including closing roads along the Israel-Gaza borders in recent days.
Hamas - the largest militant group in the Gaza Strip - has not joined the PIJ yet. Hamas' decision to become involved in the conflict or stay out of it will likely dictate the scale and scope of what the IDF has called a targeted campaign against the PIJ. In the meantime, Egypt and Qatar are attempting to deescalate tensions.
Advice
Monitor local media and strictly heed the instructions of security forces. If possible, avoid areas within 5 km (3 miles) of the Gaza buffer zone until tensions subside. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported in southern Israel, or a warning siren sounds in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter until given further instructions by authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls, and, if possible, move to a ground floor or basement.
If operating in the Gaza Strip, avoid known Hamas security force locations, which are common targets for Israeli airstrikes, or recently targeted sites. Establish a thorough communication plan to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip.
