Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Israel conducts airstrikes in Gaza March 5 /update 1

Event

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fighter jets bombed alleged Hamas compounds in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, March 5. According to Israeli military sources, the airstrikes were in retaliation for aerial incendiary devices, or “balloon bombs,” that were launched into Israel. No casualties were reported in either incident. Further airstrikes and balloon bombs are possible in the coming days and weeks, as are protests by Gazans at the border fence.

Context

Balloon bombs are a common method of targeting Israel. Small incendiary or explosive devices are attached to balloons and set aloft from Gaza, typically causing minor damage or fires in areas near the border. 

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.