Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Soldiers engage militant along northern Gaza Strip August 11 /update 2

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers engage a suspected militant along the northern border with the Gaza Strip on the morning (local time) of Sunday, August 11. According to local media reports, the incident occurred near Beit Hanoun. The suspect was reportedly killed in the engagement and IDF soldiers also shelled Hamas observation reports along the border. Similar attacks by Palestinian militants are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

IDF soldiers killed four Palestinian militants along the southern border with the Gaza Strip on Saturday, August 10. Cross-border gunfire is not uncommon between Palestinian militants and the IDF along the Gazan border. Rocket fire and strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip have also 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 obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. 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