Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Violent demonstrations reported in West Bank Feb. 19

Event

Violent demonstrations were reported in the West Bank overnight February 19-20. According to local sources, demonstrators threw rocks at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions in Etzion, injuring at least one soldier. Following the incident, IDF personal reportedly carried out a raid in the Al-Aroub refugee camp, arrested five people. IDF personnel also carried out an overnight raid in Menashe region, arresting at least 12 more Palestinians. Further protests and associated clashes between demonstrators are security forces are possible in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in the West Bank are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence. 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.