Israel/Palestinian Terr.: IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza on August 21 /update 9

Event

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out several airstrikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, August 21, as retaliation for rockets fired into southern Israel from the strip. The airstrikes were reportedly focused on targets in and around Beit Lahia. The IDF claims that the Iron Dome air defenses have intercepted several rockets sent over from Gaza into Israel. No injuries were immediately reported in Israel or Palestine.

Continued attacks on Israeli border communities are likely in the near term, with Israeli strikes to be expected in retaliation. Further escalation of the situation cannot be ruled out.

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.