Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Over 900 injured in Gaza protests April 13 /update 13

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel killed at least one Palestinian and injured more than 900 others during large demonstrations along the Israel-Gaza border on Friday, April 13. At least 10,000 Palestinians participated in Friday's protests, which were focused around five sites along the border. Palestinian protesters reportedly burned tires and hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at IDF personnel, with IDF soldiers responding with tear gas and live ammunition.

Israeli Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman had previously warned that the IDF may use lethal force against Palestinian protesters who demonstrate near the border fence. Additional Palestinian protests, clashes between Palestinian protesters and IDF troops, and associated casualties are expected in the coming days and weeks as the six-week tent city protests are scheduled to continue until May 15.

Context

Large-scale Palestinian demonstrations have recently taken place in the Gaza Strip as part of a six-week tent city protest along the Israel-Gaza border. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others injured in clashes with IDF personnel since the protests began on March 30. Smaller related protests have taken place in the West Bank.

Security across Israel was stepped up considerably in late March in anticipation of a series of sensitive events, including Land Day and Passover. An Israeli general warned on March 28 that the army would open fire on anyone who approached the "no-go" zone along the Israeli border "dangerously." Additional Israeli troops, including 100 snipers, were deployed to the border area and the border fence was reinforced.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all protests or other public gatherings due to the high risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.