13 Oct 2018 | 09:35 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Protests possible after killing near Nablus Oct. 13
Protests possible in West Bank after Palestinian woman killed by suspected Israeli settlers throwing rocks while driving to home in Biddya (near Nablus) October 13; Israeli police open investigation into incident
Event
Palestinian protests are possible in the West Bank over the coming days following the death of a Palestinian woman who was driving with her family to her home in Biddya (near Nablus) in the West Bank early (local time) on Saturday, October 13. The woman was reportedly killed by suspected Israeli settlers who threw stones at their car and gave her a fatal head injury. Israeli police have opened an investigation into the incident. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near related demonstrations. Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
A spike in tensions and cross-border incidents has been observed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories in the wake of US President Donald Trump's December 2017 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, and would move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The new embassy was officially opened on May 14.
Palestinian protesters have rallied at the Gaza border fence since March 30 in a Hamas-supported movement dubbed "The Great March of Return." Around 200 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier have been killed in border clashes since the protests began.
Advice
Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all protests or other public gatherings due to the high risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. 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. Some 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.
