25 Mar 2019 | 04:32 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Rocket explosion reported in central Israel Mar. 25 /update 4
Local reports of explosion in Sharon region of Israel's Central District on March 25; further rocket attacks possible along with Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza Strip in coming hours
Event
An explosion was reported in Israel's Central in the morning (local time) of Monday, March 25. Officials stated that a rocket was fired from Gaza Strip and struck a home in Mishmeret in the Sharon region, north of Tel Aviv. According to initial reports, six people were wounded in the explosion. Further rocket attacks are possible in central and southern Israel in the coming hours. Retaliatory airstrikes, indirect fire, and raids from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are also possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
Two rockets were fired toward Tel Aviv on March 14, one of the farthest rocket attacks since the 2014 Gaza conflict.
In general, rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have intensified since early December 2017. Hundreds of rockets and mortars have been fired from the Gaza Strip, often followed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.
Advice
Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack.
Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. 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.
