22 May 2021 | 04:04 PM UTC
Israel: Violence between Israel Defense Forces and Gaza-based militants subsides following ceasefire agreement /update 9
Violence between Israel Defense Forces and Gaza-based militants subsides following ceasefire; the possibility of further violence remains.
Event
Although cross-border violence between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gaza-based militants has subsided following the ceasefire agreement May 21, tensions remain high. While the ceasefire has held to date, the possibility of further violence remains. Gaza-based militants have threatened additional rocket and mortar attacks against Israel's southern communities and major cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, if the IDF violates terms of the ceasefire agreement. The IDF has similarly stated that the conditions on the ground will dictate future operations against militants in the Gaza Strip. The recent rocket barrages came amid heightened tensions between Palestinians and Israelis following the latter's effort to evict Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
Despite the ceasefire, the IDF will maintain its heightened security posture throughout Israel, particularly along the border with the Gaza Strip. Localized ground transport and business disruptions are likely as a result of the increased security measures.
Context
The IDF has stated that Gazan militants launched over 4,000 rocket and mortar rounds toward Israel in the 11-day conflict that began May 10. The most recent bout of violence constituted the most intense cross-border fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces since 2014 when the IDF launched Operation Protective Edge into the Gaza Strip. The pace of rocket fire in the recent fighting was the fastest pace ever recorded in Israel's history; it surpassed the pace of the previous escalation with Gazan militants in November 2019 as well as the pace of rocket fire in the 2006 war with the Lebanese Shi'a militant group Hizballah.
At least 12 Israelis and over 230 Palestinians have been killed amid the most recent violence, with over 1,500 others injured. While Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted the majority of projectiles, the cross-border fire nonetheless damaged infrastructure in communities in southern and central Israel.
The IDF responded to the recurrent rocket attacks with hundreds of retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) targets in the Gaza Strip; the targets include weapons depots located inside of civilian buildings. Gaza-based militant groups have warned of future attacks if Israel continues to carry out airstrikes targeting residential areas of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military will almost certainly continue to conduct retaliatory airstrikes against militant targets in the territory, notably in Gaza City and Khan Younis, in response to any further attacks.
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) periodically halted flights due to cross-border rocket fire targeting Tel Aviv; further closures of the airport are possible, particularly in the event of an escalation.
Advice
Monitor local media and abide by security force directives. If possible, avoid areas within 5 km (3 miles) of the Gaza buffer zone until the security situation improves. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported in southern Israel or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement.
Individuals or entities operating in the Gaza Strip are advised to avoid known Hamas security force locations, which are common targets for Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. Establish a thorough communication plan to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in southern Israel and the Gaza Strip.
