27 Mar 2019 | 08:22 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Clashes near Bethlehem leave Palestinian dead Mar. 27
Israeli troops and Palestinians clash near Bethlehem March 27, leaving one Palestinian dead; related protests and clashes possible over the coming days
Event
Israeli troops and Palestinians clashed in Dheisha refugee camp, near Bethlehem (West Bank), on Wednesday, March 27, resulting in the death of one Palestinian. Some 150 Palestinian students reportedly threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces, who responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Dozens participated in a funeral procession in Bethlehem for the killed Palestinian, who was reportedly wearing a paramedic uniform.
Related protests and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces are possible in and near Bethlehem over the coming days.
Context
The clash took place after Israeli troops raided Birzeit University on the night (local time) of March 26, arresting three students. A subsequent protest at the university led to clashes between Palestinian students and Israeli forces, leaving five Palestinians wounded.
Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces are not uncommon in the West Bank.
Advice
Individuals in the Palestinian Territories, particularly those in Bethlehem, 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.
