Israel/Palestinian Terr.: One killed ahead of mass protest in Gaza Mar. 30 /update 53

Event

Indirect fire resulted in the death of one Palestinian man in Gaza early Saturday (local time), March 30, ahead of mass protests along the border fence. Tensions are high as more Israeli forces deployed to the border and Hamas threatened to respond to aggression. Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to participate in the demonstrations, which mark the one-year anniversary of the Great March to Return. Violet clashes are expected between security forces and protesters, including the use of live ammunition. Rocket attacks, incendiary balloons, and airstrikes cannot be ruled out.

Context

Palestinians have staged weekly protests at the Gaza-Israel border fence since March 30, 2018. At least 259 Palestinians have been killed, including 15 on the first day of demonstrations, and nearly 7000 have been wounded.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and Gaza are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, adhere to instructions by local authorities (e.g. evacuation notices, take shelter warnings) and their home governments, and seek immediate shelter in the event of a rocket attack. 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.