Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Protests held in West Bank over annexation plans June 5

Event

Demonstrations were held in several cities across the West bank on Friday, June 5, to protest against the Israeli government's plans to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. The annexations could take place as early as July. Friday also marked 53 years since the West Bank was captured from Jordan in the Six Day War in 1967. Clashes reportedly occurred between protesters and Israeli security forces during demonstrations in Tulkarem. Israeli troops reportedly fired tear gas and stun grenades to repel protesters from approaching a military checkpoint. A protester was also injured near Tubas by a rubber bullet fired by Israeli forces. Further protests were held in Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Hebron, and in the Jordan Valley.

Further protests and associated unrest are possible over the near term.

Context

US President Donald Trump revealed his "deal of the century" peace plan for Israel and Palestine in January 2020, which effectively gave Israel the green light to annex Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley. More than 450,000 Israeli's live in settlements across the West Bank, alongside 2.7 million Palestinians. Palestinians and members of the international community have criticized the annexation plans and even the US has warned Israel to slow down on its annexation plans. Frequent protests have been held across Palestine since the plan was unveiled.

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.