Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Palestinian killed in Gazan border protests January 11 /update 40

Event

An estimated 13,000 Palestinians participated in demonstrations along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, January 11. Protesters reportedly burned tires and threw rocks and explosive devices at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, who fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators. According to the Gazan health ministry, one person was killed and 25 others were wounded by IDF gunfire. Israeli forces reportedly launched strikes on two Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after the protests.

Similar Palestinian protests are to be 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." Over 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.