19 Jan 2019 | 12:54 AM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: At least 14 wounded in Gaza protests Jan. 18 /update 41
At least 14 Palestinians wounded in protests along Israeli-Gazan border January 18; over 10,000 Palestinians participate in demonstrations
Event
More than 10,000 Palestinians participated in demonstrations along the Israeli-Gazan border on Friday, January 18. Protesters reportedly burned tires and threw rocks and explosive devices at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, who fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators. According to the Gazan health ministry, 14 Palestinians were wounded by IDF gunfire.
Similar Palestinian protests are to be expected along the border fence in the coming weeks, particularly on Fridays, as well as clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces.
Context
Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Over 240 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in associated clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters.
Advice
Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence. 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.
