Israel, PT: Israeli retaliatory airstrikes target Hamas positions in Gaza Strip following rocket fire late April 20 /update 1

Event

The Israeli military conducted airstrikes against several targets in the Gaza Strip late April 20 in retaliation for earlier rocket fire into southern Israel. The rocket fired from the Palestinian enclave activated sirens in Sderot, Israel, but did not cause casualties or significant material damage.

Heightened security is likely in Israel's Southern District over the coming hours. Gaza-based militants may fire additional rockets at communities in southern Israel over the short term. Precautionary measures, such as evacuations, are possible in the affected areas.

Advice

Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported, 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, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Persons in Gaza should consider avoiding nonessential travel near security installations, local administrative buildings, and areas near the shared Gaza Israel border during periods of heightened tensions.