Israel/Palestinian territory: Rocket hits south of Israel overnight January 29-30

Event

Incoming rocket sirens were activated overnight January 29-30 in the Shaar HaNegev and Sdot Negev regions, located near the Gaza Strip. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed that a rocket fired from Gaza exploded in an open area in the south around midnight (local time). No casualties or damages have been reported.

Context

Rocket fire and airstrikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have intensified since US President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on December 6. At least 20 rockets and mortars have been fired from the Gaza Strip, systematically followed by Israeli airstrikes. Although the rockets are often fired by independent groups, the Israeli government holds Hamas responsible and targets Hamas position in retaliation.

Advice

Individuals in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to monitor developments to the situation.

A surge in anti-American and anti-Western sentiment is possible in some areas; all travelers, and Westerners in particular, are advised to maintain a low profile (do not discuss sensitive topics, do not stop to take photographs of demonstrations, etc.) and avoid unnecessary movements in the event of unrest.

More generally, due to the underlying terrorist threat, individuals are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organisations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.