Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Rockets intercepted in southern Israel August 17 /update 65

Event

Three rockets were reportedly fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening (local time), August 17; two of the projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system over southern Israel. Rocket sirens notably sounded and explosions were heard near Sderot and surrounding Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council; no casualties or damages were immediately reported.

The rocket fire was preceded by Israeli airstrikes targeting positions in northern and central Gaza Strip on Friday, August 16, following earlier rocket launches. 

Additional Palestinian rocket launches targeting Israel are possible over the coming hours and days, as well as retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

Context

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 in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. 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.