31 Jan 2020 | 04:23 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Retaliatory airstrikes conducted in Gaza January 31 /update 3
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conduct retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza on January 31 after three rockets were fired into Israel; further cross-border operations expected
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip after militants conducted multiple cross border attacks on Thursday, January 30, into Friday, January 31. According to the IDF, during the three rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel on Thursday night (local time), with two rockets being intercepted by the Iron Dome Defense System. Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian militants reportedly launched explosive balloons and took sniper shots across the border. In response, Israeli aircraft hit Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip.
Further cross-border fire is possible along the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming hours and days, including rockets fired by Palestinian militants toward and into Israel and retaliatory IDF strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Context
Similar cross-border and retaliatory strikes occurred on Wednesday, January 29. The attacks come after US President Donald Trump announced his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan on January 28. Hundreds of Palestinians participated in rallies to protest the plan in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on January 28.
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 shelter immediately 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.
