12 Nov 2019 | 03:11 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Airstrike in Gaza targets militant leader November 11
Israeli airstrike reportedly targets one of the leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza on November 11; retaliatory strikes possible over the coming hours
Event
The leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Al-Quds Brigades, Bahaa Abu Al-Ata, was reportedly targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on the morning (local time) of Tuesday, November 11. According to initial reports, Al-Ata’s house in the Shejaia district was hit by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), killing at least one person and wounding three others. Schools in Ashkelon and other areas along the border between Israel and Gaza have been closed on Tuesday and shelters have been opened as a precaution.
Retaliatory rocket attacks by PIJ and other Palestinian militants are expected in the coming hours.
Context
Al-Ata has been accused to planning attacks against Israel and upgrading the rocket capabilities of the PIJ in the Gaza Strip.
Advice
Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation 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.
