Israel/Palestinian Territories: Protests over Jerusalem decision March 2 /update 4

Event

Protests erupted throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday, March 2, against the US announcement that it recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and will move the US Embassy to the city in mid-May. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 94 Palestinian demonstrators were wounded in associated clashes with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel on Friday. In the West Bank, protests were related demonstrations and clashes between protesters and Israeli forces broke out in the vicinity of Jericho, near Beit El, and in Bil'in (west of Ramallah). According to Gazan health authorities, other protests, clashes, and consequent casualties were reported in Khan Younis, north of Beit Hanoun and east of Jabalia, and in eastern Gaza and the Bureij refugee camp. Additional Palestinian protests and clashes with IDF personnel are expected in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks.

Context

Mass protests have taken place in the Palestinian Territories on a regular basis since US President Donald Trump announced the US's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on December 6, 2017. The March 2 protests marked the 13th consecutive Friday on which such protests have been held. On February 23, American officials announced that the Embassy will open in a temporary location in Jerusalem by mid-May of this year, ahead of the anticipated schedule.

At least 35 Palestinians have been killed and some 5000 wounded in clashes with Israeli forces since the December 6 announcement.

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 to be anticipated 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.