Israel/Palestinian Territories: Ramadan celebrations begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims in Israel, Palestinian Territories and elsewhere in the world will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, businesses, restaurants, and government administrations may operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly on weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Local authorities typically report a heightened terrorism threat during the month of Ramadan, and increased security measures should be expected in major urban areas. Authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Israel announced that “special procedures” would be implemented as part of enhanced security measures for the duration of Ramadan. These include entry controls for Palestinians wishing to enter Israel from the Gaza strip or the West Bank, who will be required to present a special permit to visit their relatives in Israel. Restrictions will also be imposed on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and it carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion and abstain from certain activities.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In recent years, Islamic State (IS), as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan. On June 26, 2015, IS fighters killed 39 people in an attack targeting Sousse, Tunisia. The same day, a similar attack also claimed by IS targeted a Mosque during Friday's noon prayers in Kuwait City, killing 27 people. On June 21, 2016, members of Jordan’s security forces were killed in a car bomb. In Lebanon, a series of suicide attacks killed six people. In Turkey, on the evening of June 28, 2016, an attack carried out by three gunmen/suicide bombers was perpetrated at Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST), leaving 44 people dead and scores more injured.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and Palestinian Territories are advised remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior. Although fasting is not strictly enforced as it is in some other countries, it is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period in more conservative neighborhoods or areas. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.