Palestinian Territories: Activists to hold demonstrations territorywide June 4-5

Event

The Gaza-based militant group Hamas has called for mass demonstrations as part of a "day of rage" in the Palestinian Territories June 4 to protest Israeli policies toward East Jerusalem and alleged Israeli aggression. Specifically, Hamas has urged Palestinians in the West Bank to organize marches at flashpoint sites, block roads, and clash with Israeli settlers. The "day of rage" demonstrations are scheduled to occur on the eve of Al-Naksa (Setback) Day. Al-Naksa Day marks the anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day War; activists typically hold rallies June 5 to commemorate the displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the conflict.

Demonstrations in the West Bank are likely to materialize around popular protest sites, including public squares, city centers, and government buildings; previous 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 likely in the Gaza Strip. Security personnel have previously used live ammunition on multiple occasions during demonstrations near the Gaza border.

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 similar actions recently, 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

Hamas' call for mass protests 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, the possibility of further violence remains.

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 for the duration of the protests. 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.