Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israel resumes airstrikes in Gaza November 15 /update 11

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced at approximately 01:20 (local time) on Friday, November 15, that it has resumed airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the strikes are targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) positions in retaliation for rockets being fired into Israel despite an unofficial ceasefire. Local media in the Gaza Strip reported strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah. The truce came into effect at 05:30 on Thursday, November 14, but sporadic cross-border attacks still occurred later in the day.

Further cross-border fire is possible over the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours and days, including rockets fired by Palestinian militants toward and into Israel and retaliatory Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes on the Gaza Strip.

Context

Cross-border strikes significantly escalated on November 12 after the IDF targeted PIJ Al-Quds Brigade commander Bahaa Abu Al-Ata in a precision strike at his residence in the Shejaiyah area of Gaza. According to the IDF, Al-Ata was imminently planning to launch an attack against Israeli citizens and soldiers. Al-Ata has been accused of organizing hundreds of attacks in Israel and developing 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.