Israel/Palestinian Terr.: One Palestinian killed in Gazan border clashes Dec. 28 /update 38

Event

At least one Palestinian protester was killed and four others were wounded by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fire during protests along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, December 28. Some 4000 Palestinians participated in the demonstrations on Friday, with some throwing rocks and explosive devices at Israeli soldiers; Israeli troops fired live ammunition and other riot-dispersal tools at the protesters, according to an Israeli army spokesperson. Similar Palestinian protests are expected along the border fence in the coming weeks, particularly on Fridays, as well as clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces.

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 240 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.