Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Protests continue along Gazan border Jan. 4 /update 39

Event

An estimated 10,000 Palestinians participated in demonstrations along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, January 4. Protesters reportedly burned tires and threw rocks and explosive devices at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. According to the Hamas health ministry, 15 protesters were wounded by IDF soldiers who fired live ammunition and tear gas. 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.