Israel, PT: Increased security, retaliatory strikes likely in Southern District after Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip May 9-10 /update 1

Event

Increased security is likely in the Southern District after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early May 9, killing at least 13 people. The IDF reported that the airstrikes targeted members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement. While the PIJ has made no official statement yet, militants have stated their readiness for possible retaliatory action against Israel.

Israeli authorities have advised residents within 25 miles (40 kilometers) of Gaza to stay close to designated bomb shelters and started evacuating around 200 families from towns near the Gaza border. Authorities also announced the closure of the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings linking the Gaza Strip to Israel until further notice, as well as suspended train activities between Netivot and Ashkelon, closing the Sderot station. Israeli authorities have reportedly closed the airspace 10 km around the Gaza Strip for civil aviation until 17:00 May 10.

Gaza-based militants will likely launch rockets into southern Israel over the coming hours and days. Further heightened security measures are possible in affected areas. Additional cross-border exchanges of fire between the IDF and Gaza-based militants are possible.

Advice

Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported, or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement.