Israel expects tension on the nominal border with the Gaza Strip to continue until after the Jewish New Year holiday, news website Walla has reported.

The Israel Defence Forces are apparently on high alert to deal with protests along the Gaza border. Palestinian factions in the besieged enclave are said to be preparing for violence from the Israeli army.

According to an Israeli security official, Hamas does not want another round of violence, but the situation could still escalate given that hundreds of Palestinian protesters reach the border fence and some throw explosive devices towards it.

The official added that the goal of the IDF is to prepare for many scenarios, including the possibility that elite fighters from Hamas’s military wing could mingle with the demonstrators with the aim of launching an attack against the occupation forces.

Palestinian journalists and paramedics covering the protests were targeted by Israeli troops earlier this week.

READ: Hamas calls on PA to side with Palestinian people against Israel occupation