Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Protests scheduled in East Jerusalem, West Bank January 30-31 /update 3

Event

Additional protests have been called across Israel and the Palestinian Territories on Thursday, January 30. They are called after two consecutive days of protests which seek to show opposition to US President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Palestinians have called for additional demonstrations on Thursday at Damascus Gate in East Jerusalem, which will likely prompt a heightened security presence. Another protest is scheduled in the West Bank city of al-Bireh as of 13:00 (local time). Protesters will march toward the DCO checkpoint.

On Friday, January 31, the Palestinian National and Islamic Forces are calling on supporters to gather at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem - likely coinciding with afternoon prayers.

Gazans are likely to continue participating in activities that will show rejection to the proposed peace plan, which likely means that the related general strike, which started on Wednesday, January 29, may continue into Thursday.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are expected near any demonstration. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Media reports indicate that dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on January 29, amid clashes with Israeli security forces during related protests. Accounts indicate that two people were injured by live ammunition rounds, while others sustained injuries due to tear gas. Security forces reportedly blocked protesters from accessing the Jordan Valley, which prompted the confrontation. Gazans observed a general strike on January 29 called by the Follow-up Committee of the National and Islamic Forces, which prompted business and school closures.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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.