Israel/Palestinian Terr.: 41 Palestinians killed near Gaza border May 14 /update 2

Event

At least 41 Palestinians were killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops along the Israel-Gaza border on Monday, May 14, the most fatalities suffered in one day since the ongoing protests began in March. Palestinian officials stated that in addition to those killed, at least 1600 Palestinians were wounded. Approximately 35,000 Palestinians took part in Monday’s protests, with some reportedly burning tires and throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at IDF personnel. IDF troops responded by moving at least one tank towards the border area of Malaka, using live ammunition against protesters, and dropping tear gas over the crowds with drones.

The protests are part of the six-week "March of Return" protests that have been ongoing since March 30. The protest movement is set to culminate on Tuesday, May 15, the day referred to as Palestinians as the Nakba (“catastrophe”), which marks the 1948 Palestinian exodus from the territory that became the State of Israel. A heightened Israeli security presence is anticipated to remain near the Israel-Gaza border during the demonstrations.

Monday's violence coincided with the opening of a new US Embassy in Jerusalem. Additional Palestinian protests, clashes between Palestinians and IDF personnel, and heightened security measures are expected in the coming hours and days. Consequent traffic disruptions are possible in affected areas.

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 wounded in clashes with IDF personnel since the protests began on March 30. Smaller related protests have taken place in the West Bank.

A spike in tensions and cross-border incidents has been observed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories in the wake of US President Donald Trump's December 2017 announcement that the US would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians.

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.