08 Dec 2017 | 06:40 PM UTC
Jordan: Large demonstrations in Amman, other cities December 8
Large demonstrations in Amman and other Jordanian cities on December 8 in protest of US decision on Jerusalem; additional protests and widespread traffic disruptions expected in the coming hours and days
Event
Tens of thousands of people took part in large demonstrations in Amman and other Jordanian cities on Friday, December 8, following Friday prayers. The demonstrations were organized in protest of the US announcement on Wednesday that it will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin preparations to move the US Embassy to the city.
In Amman, roughly 20,000 protesters gathered outside the Al-Husseini Mosque after Friday prayers, and marched through the capital. Other marches and demonstrations were reportedly held in the cities of Karak, Madaba, Ajloun, Salt, Aqaba, Tafila, Zarqa, Ma'an, Jerash, and in the Irbid and Baqa'a refugee camps. Additional protests and widespread traffic disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days in the affected areas.
Context
On Wednesday, 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 Jordan 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.
Individuals in Jordan are strongly advised to adhere to security instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Many governments have advised their nationals against all travel near the Syrian and Iraqi borders.
