Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Violent clashes leave one dead in West Bank February 7 /update 2

Event

A Palestinian protester was shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops near Tulkarm (West Bank) on Friday, February 7, after reportedly throwing a firebomb at soldiers. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces were also reported near Azzun on Friday, where the funeral for a Palestinian police officer who was killed a day earlier was being held. Protests and clashes were also reported in the West Bank cities of Jericho and Bil'in.

As of Friday, at least four Palestinians have been killed and more than a dozen Israeli soldiers have been injured in recent clashes between protesters and security forces. According to media reports, almost 1000 additional security personnel were deployed into the West Bank on Friday as further violence is expected over the coming days. Palestinians may organize protests following Friday prayers and militants will likely continue to target Israeli soldiers in isolated attacks over the near term.

A heightened security presence is to be expected throughout Israel, particularly in Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Context

Tensions have increased in the region since US President Donald Trump announced his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan on January 28. Palestinians have held multiple demonstrations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank since the announcement, which have sometimes turned violent.

Advice

Individuals in the West Bank, and Israel more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and public demonstrations as a precaution, remain vigilant for militant activity, 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.