Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF troops kill six Palestinians in Gaza protests Sep. 28 /update 22

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops killed at least six Palestinian protesters and wounded over 500 others during the latest iteration of weekly protests in the Gaza Strip, along the Israel-Gaza border, on Friday, September 28. An estimated 20,000 Palestinians participated in the demonstrations at several points along the border fence, with some burning tires, launching incendiary balloons, and throwing rocks, grenades, and other explosive devices at Israeli troops. IDF soldiers reportedly responded by firing teargas and live ammunition at the protesters; at least 90 Palestinians were wounded by IDF live fire. Additionally, the IDF carried out two airstrikes in northern Gaza during the protests, including one which targeted a suspected Hamas installation.

Similar Palestinian protests and clashes between protesters and IDF troops are to be expected along the Israel-Gaza border in the coming weeks.

Context

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence weekly since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." More than 180 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier have been killed in border clashes since the protests began.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence. 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.