Israel/Palestinian Territories: Clashes leave four dead, over 170 wounded Dec. 15 /update 2

Event

Clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday, December 15, over 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, resulting in at least four people being killed. Palestinian demonstrations, marches, and clashes with Israeli troops took place in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Israeli troops also wounded over 160 Palestinians with tear gas and live fire in the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as over 3500 Palestinians demonstrated near the Gaza border fence.

Israeli troops wounded at least ten Palestinian protesters with gunfire in the West Bank on Friday; the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported over 103 protesters were wounded by Israeli tear gas in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Violent clashes with Israeli forces were reported at the Qalandiya checkpoint in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and near the Damascus Gate (Bab al-Amoud) in East Jerusalem, among other areas. Additional protests, violent clashes, and consequent traffic disruptions are possible in the coming days in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Context

Recent tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories have surrounded Trump's December 6 announcement that the US would officially recognize 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. Two Palestinians have died in incidents of violent unrest during protests following the decision.

Advice

Individuals in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence. A surge in anti-American and anti-Western sentiment is likely in some areas; all travelers, and Westerners in particular, are advised to maintain a low profile (do not discuss sensitive topics, do not stop to take photographs of demonstrations, etc.) and avoid unnecessary movements in the event of unrest.

More generally, due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip 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 Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.