Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF kills three Palestinians in Gaza border protest Dec. 21 /update 37

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers opened fire during a protest at the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, December 21, killing three Palestinians, including one teenager, according to Gazan health officials. The IDF reported that 8000 Palestinians were participating in protests near the border fence. At least 25 others were wounded during the protest. Further protests, particularly on Fridays, are expected along the border fence in the coming weeks and clashes with security forces are likely.

Context

Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Some 180 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in associated clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters.

Advice

Individuals 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.