20 Aug 2020 | 12:42 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF strikes targets in Gaza August 19 /update 8
Israel strikes targets in Gaza Strip in retaliation over incendiary balloons on August 19; further cross-border clashes likely over the near term
Event
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shelled targets in the Gaza Strip late on Wednesday evening, August 19. The strikes were reportedly in response to earlier incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel from the strip, which caused 28 fires. This is the ninth consecutive night that IDF attacks targets in the Gaza Strip in retaliation to incendiary balloons.
Continued low-level militancy and agitation coming from the Gaza side of the border is likely to be met with strong retaliation from Israel, including further shelling and airstrikes, over the near term.
Context
The incidents come amidst a period of rising tension between Hamas and Israel, as negotiations between the two sides have allegedly stalled. On August 8, a Hamas official reportedly stated that the group would resume their balloon bomb campaign in order to exercise pressure on the Israeli government, and threatened rocket fire into Israel should the situation continue. Hundreds of balloons have been launched into Israel in the past week and airstrikes targeting Hamas infrastructure has been the standard response by Israel. Israeli authorities have warned that further attacks would draw an increasingly harsh response.
Advice
Those in the Gaza Strip and areas of Israel bordering the territory are advised to monitor developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip.
