Israel: Jerusalem Temple Mount area reopens; continue to exercise heightened vigilance /update 1

Event

The Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif) complex in Jerusalem’s Old City will reopen from 12:00 (local time) on Sunday, July 16. The site was closed for investigations followed the July 14 shooting attack in which two Israeli police officers were killed. Increased security measures, including additional metal detectors and surveillance cameras are being installed in the area.

Context

Tensions remain high following one of the most serious incidents in Jerusalem in recent years. On July 14, three Arab-Israeli gunmen attacked a group of police officers near the Lions’ Gate in Jerusalem’s  Old City, killing two; the attackers were shot and killed at the scene. The subsequent closure of the area prompted protests by Muslim worshipers who were unable to access the  nearby Al-Aqsa mosque. Travelers to Jerusalem should expect increased security measures in the area following the attack. Protests associated with the incident may also occur.

At least 260 Palestinians and one Jordanian citizen have been killed since a wave of violent Palestinian street attacks began in 2015. Israel claims at least 177 of those killed were carrying out attacks, while the rest died in clashes and protests. In addition to these deaths, 40 Israelis, two US tourists, and one British student have been killed in Palestinian stabbings, shootings, and car-rammings.

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Israel claims that these incidents are largely the result of the Palestinian Authority (PA) fueling social unrest with calls to protest, whereas Palestinians criticize what they describe as an illegal occupation by the Israeli population.

Advice

Individuals in Jerusalem are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid any public demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

More generally due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.