19 Feb 2019 | 01:20 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Seven wounded in protest along Israeli-Gazan border Feb. 18
At least seven Palestinians wounded in clashes during demonstration along Israeli-Gazan border on February 18
Event
At least seven Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel during a demonstration along the Israeli-Gazan border on the evening (local time) of Monday, February 18. According to local sources, Palestinian protesters burned tires and threw rocks and explosive devices (e.g. grenades, Molotov cocktails, etc.) at IDF troops; Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters from the border. Similar Palestinian protests, as well as clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces, are to be expected along the border fence in the coming weeks.
Context
Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30, 2018, 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.
