16 Dec 2017 | 10:53 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Territories: Fatah calls for protests Dec. 20
Fatah calls for protests in Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City, during US Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on December 20; clashes possible
Event
The Palestinian political party Fatah is calling for supporters to protest in Jerusalem during US Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to the city on Wednesday, December 20. Fatah leaders are organizing a day of demonstrations, particularly in the Old City. Expect significantly increased security measures and traffic disruptions in Jerusalem during Pence’s visit. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Tensions remain high in the region after thousands of Palestinians took part in funerals for two men on Saturday, December 16, who were killed by Israeli forces during demonstrations on Friday, December 15. According to media reports, crowds chanted anti-Trump slogans and masked gunmen fired into the air during one funeral in the village of Beit Ula.
Context
Recent tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories have surrounded US President Donald 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.
