05 Aug 2022 | 07:17 PM UTC
Israel, Gaza: Tensions remain high following IDF airstrikes targeting militants in the Gaza Strip, Aug. 5 /update 2
Israel Defense Forces on high alert amid threats of retaliatory attacks from Gaza militants as of Aug. 5. Senior militant leader killed.
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been ordered to enter "emergency mode" after conducting a series of airstrikes against military bases of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip on Aug. 5. The IDF, which has launched Operation Breaking Dawn in anticipation of further 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. Palestinian authorities, on the other hand, assert the IDF airstrikes have killed nine people and wounded over 50 others.
The IDF has also placed Iron Dome batteries in Jerusalem, Be'er Sheva, and several other areas, to defend against potential PIJ rocket attacks against Israel. Additionally, the Israeli government has 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.
Any rocket attacks that may occur would likely prompt 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 could also spark civil unrest in Israel and the West Bank.
Context
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, 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.
