Canada: Planned demonstrations in Ottawa December 9-10

Event

Student and activist groups are reportedly holding demonstrations near the US Embassy in Ottawa on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, in protest of the recent US announcement that it will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin preparations to move the US Embassy to the city. Saturday's protest began at the embassy at 14:00 (local time), and will conclude at 16:00. Sunday's protest is scheduled from 13:00 to 14:00. A heightened security presence and associated traffic disruptions are expected near the US Embassy in Ottawa in the coming hours through Sunday.

Context

On December 6, President Trump announced that the US officially recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians; no country has an embassy in Jerusalem. Many world leaders had strongly advised the US administration against the move, claiming it would render impossible the establishment of a Palestinian state and would inflame tensions across the Muslim world.

The US Congress passed a law in 1995 stipulating that the US Embassy in Israel be moved to Jerusalem by May 1999; US Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama all issued waivers every six months to delay the move throughout their respective tenures.

Advice

Individuals in Ottawa are advised to monitor developments to the situation and prepare for traffic disruptions, to avoid all demonstrations and rallies due to the risk of violence, and to follow all instructions issued by local authorities.