Palestinian Territories: Related protests likely amid call for "day of rage" demonstration in Al-Bireh, West Bank, May 28

Event

Palestinian activists have called for a "day of rage" in the Palestinian Territories May 28. Specifically, activists are planning a demonstration after Friday prayers outside of the Al-Bireh Grand Mosque in the West Bank.

Additional demonstrations are likely to materialize around popular protest sites, including public squares, city centers, and government buildings; previous related protests have convened at Martyrs' Square in Nablus and Manarah Square in Ramallah. Activists may also gather at flashpoint sites, including near Israeli settlements, military checkpoints, and territorial border areas. Associated demonstrations are possible in the Gaza Strip.

Increased security deployments are likely throughout Palestinian villages and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Clashes are possible if protesters are overly disruptive or fail to adhere to the instructions of security personnel. Israeli security forces typically respond aggressively to perceived threats, and have employed riot-control measures and occasionally fired warning shots or live ammunition during recent similar actions, particularly in East Jerusalem and near Israeli settlements and security checkpoints in the West Bank. Localized ground transportation disruptions are likely near all affected sites.

Context

The call to protest comes amid heightened tensions following a ceasefire agreement that ended cross-border fire between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gaza-based militants May 21. Gazan militants launched over 4,300 rocket and mortar rounds toward communities in southern and central Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, May 10-21. The IDF responded with hundreds of retaliatory airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza. The recent bout of violence constituted the most intense cross-border fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces in almost a decade. At least 12 Israelis and over 230 Palestinians were killed amid the conflict, with over 1,500 others injured. While active hostilities have seemingly concluded and the ceasefire has held to date, further violence remains possible.

Advice

Avoid all announced or proposed protest actions due to the potential for violence. Exercise caution near likely protest locations. Minimize exposure to places of worship, security installations, markets, and other crowded locations. Monitor local media for protest activity, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Consider deferring nonessential travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip amid any widespread protest activity. Confirm the availability of transport and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions near demonstrations. Follow all police instructions.