Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Two Palestinians killed in Gaza protests March 22 /update 50

Event

Israeli troops killed at least two Palestinian protesters and wounded 55 others along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, March 22, as the "Great March of Return" protests continued for another week. Some 9500 Palestinian demonstrators protested along the border, with some throwing rocks at Israeli troops and burning tires. Israeli soldiers retaliated by employing "riot dispersal means," including firing live ammunition.

Heightened tensions, demonstrations, and clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians are to be expected along the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming weeks. The expected March 29 border protests are expected to draw large crowds ahead of the March 30 anniversary of the launch of the "Great March of Return" movement.

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 220 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.