Situation along the Gaza Strip/Israel border has rapidly deteriorated in recent days

The situation along the Gaza Strip/Israel border has rapidly deteriorated in recent days and remains extremely unstable and fluid as of 29 December 2008. In retaliation for an increase of rocket attacks against southern Israel since a six-month ceasefire agreement expired on 19 December, on 27 December the Israeli military launched massive air strikes against the Hamas government in Gaza. The air strikes, which are the largest in scale in recent times, have killed more than 300 people; although the strikes have targeted Hamas facilities and places considered to be "symbols" of Hamas' power, civilians have been killed as well, prompting an international outcry against Israel. Several of the rockets recently launched into Israel have reached as far as the outskirts of Ashdod, a major port city located approximately 18 mi/30 km from the Gaza border. The development is significant, as it is a realization of recently expressed concerns that militants in Gaza were in possession of longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Israeli territory. It is not known how many longer-range rockets militants have in their arsenal, but it is a worrying development nevertheless; however, there is no indication that they possess rockets capable of striking such locations as Tel Aviv. Although it is believed that the Israeli military strikes have weakened the ability of militants to launch rockets for the time being, other recent rocket attacks have greatly affected communities located in close proximity to the border as well as Ashkelon to a lesser extent. Developments on the Palestinian-Israeli front often affect the entire Middle East, and the tensions are being felt throughout the region. Though it is not uncommon for anti-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protests to occur, they have been staged with increasing frequency in recent days. On 28 December, for example, demonstrations against the Israeli military strikes were staged in Israel (East Jerusalem), Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, the West Bank and Syria; protests were also organized in the United Kingdom and Spain. Thousands of people gathered in various cities to denounce Israel (and in some cases Egypt because of its perceived inaction to help the Palestinians) and to show their solidarity with the Palestinians. Continued protests are anticipated in various locations and have the potential to manifest anti-Western (including anti-U.S. sentiment) and/or turn violent; travelers should avoid any gatherings regardless of size as a precaution, as well as Israeli embassies and other Israeli-relates facilities. Israeli officials have stated that their goal is not to reoccupy the Gaza Strip; however, at this point the situation is unpredictable and a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza cannot be ruled out. The Israeli military seems to be preparing for a potential ground operation, as it has amassed several thousand troops and tanks along the border and has reportedly called up reservists; additionally, the area surrounding Gaza has been declared a "closed military zone" and is off-limits to the media. Even if Israel launches a ground offensive, it is not expected to reoccupy Gaza for an extended period of time, but would likely further target Hamas' security infrastructure and suspected militant facilities. In the meantime, air strikes will likely continue.